||~*{ Chapter Thirty-Two: Sweetened With Love }*~||

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"You want me to what?" Tao nearly choked as he looked at Kris, completely bewildered. He wasn't too sure if it was because he was still half asleep and that it was nearly midnight, but he figured his ears must of been deceiving him.

An aggravated sigh left the taller one's lips as he shyly scratched the back of his head as his eyes tried to find something to look at other than Tao. "I w-want you to help me bake sweets for Suho. His birthday is the day we leave for the trip, but I wanted to celebrate it tomorrow, so I was wondering if you would teach me how to bake , er...pastries? Look, if you don't want to you don't have to. I can go find someone else. I mean...he loves your sweets and I've never heard him praise anyone as much as you so....ugh, you know what, never mind."

Kris turned to storm away before he made himself to be a fool, only to be stopped by the young Pastry Chef.

"I'll help." Tao mumbled as he flashed a small smile- dying as he wanted to full out grin, but decided to hold it back incase it sent Kris running away again.

"T-Thanks..." Kris breathed and Tao could clearly see a faint tint flourish the elder one's cheeks. Again, the Pastry Chef had to pinch himself to hold back the smug grin his body was aching to wear. 

"So, it's the General Manager's birthday..... Are you and everyone else celebrating it here at the restaurant tomorrow?" Tao asked as he took a seat on the stool and Kris mirrored his actions.

"Yes. I messaged everyone about it a few hours ago. It's a surprise, so you can't tell him. I also told Sehun and he said to tell you that he's leaving the gift picking to you." Kris stated and a soft sigh escaped Tao's lips.

"That guy....he's just lazy and wants me to do all the hard work. Oh well. Anyways, back to Suho's pastries and whatnot, what did you have in mind that you wanted to make him?" 

Kris gave a shrugged.  " I don't really know. He likes sweets alot...mostly ice cream, but as far as pastries go, he isn't picky. So I was thinking maybe we could do a few batches of cupcakes and something to do with ice cream....."

Tao nodded as he racked his brain for possible ideas. "Alright. Well, we can do a few batches of different flavors. I have a book with many different recipes and styles that you can choose from. Since all the staff members will be there, we will have to bake a few dozen. "

"Alright. That sounds good to me. "

"Okay. Well, we still need supplies as the pastry material shipment won't come in till tomorrow so we will have to go shopping. While we're out we also need to stop by my apartment so I can retrieve the recipe notebook. So, shall we get going?" Tao asked as he quickly hopped off the stool.

"Yeah. We can take my car. Go get your coat and I'll be waiting out back. " Kris stated as he followed Tao out the kitchen. 

The young Pastry Chef quickly threw on an overcoat and grabbed his house keys before making his way out back. A small scoff left his lips the moment his eyes landed on the white, polish car that Kris stood next to.

"A white audi. Nice, Mr.Rich. " Tao mumbled as Kris politely held open the passenger door.

"I'm not rich. It just took months of saving up. " Kris stated as Tao slid into the passenger seat and quickly shut the door before making his way over into the driver's seat.

"Well, it's still nice. I'm quite jealous. "Tao murmured as he marveled at how clean the interior of the car was. Who knew Kris was a neat freak.

"So, where should we go first?" Kris asked as he slipped in the key and started the engine.

"My apartment to get the book. I live just a few blocks away from here. In the complex by the park." 

"Ah, I know which one you're talking about. " 

The older one quickly took off as the awkward silence settled between them. After the awkward-position-in-the-kitchen incident, neither of the two could keep a conversation going for long before the awkwardness settled in like a plague. A few moments later, Kris pulled into the apartment complex parking lot and as Tao moved to quickly get out, the younger one hesitated.

"Do you want me to bring Sehun along? He can help and he's pretty useful. It might help us to get things done quicker." 

"Yeah." Kris nodded and watched as Tao quickly slipped out before running up the stairs to disappear through his apartment door.

The older one sat in silence for a few minutes as he waited for the two younger ones to appear. Just as he was about to get out the car to see what was taking the two so long, they came bursting from the door and quickly scurried towards the car just in time.

"Oh, good evening, Assistant General Manager." Sehun mumbled quickly as he slid into the back seat. Kris could obviously tell that the younger one had just been sleeping moments before. Kris gave a silent nod of acknowledgment as Tao resumed his spot on the passenger's seat, clutching a leopard printed notebook in his hands.

"Leopard print...?" Kris mumbled to himself, but the young Pastry Chef heard it and a soft, pink tint flourished the younger one's cheeks.

"E-Everyone likes different things." grumbled Tao as he slid the notebook out of sight and under his thighs. Kris fought the smirk dying to find it's way to his lips and coughed to cover the laugh that nearly escaped him.

"Well, off to the supermarket." 

"Whoa...this car is amazing...ZiZi, we should get a car like this one day. It's better than walking or taking the bus. " blurted Sehun as he finally seemed to wake up from his post-slumber daze. His eyes were wide, slightly puffy, as he gazed in awe at the interior of the car- running his fingertips across the leather seats.

Tao laughed softly as he gazed at Sehun through the mirror. " Hmm, should we? Do you want a car like this? Would that make you happy?"

Sehun nodded quickly as he grinned at Tao. "Yes!"

"Alright. I'll see what I can do." 

Sehun laughed, taking their conversation as a small joke, but Kris couldn't help but wonder if Tao was being serious when he said he'd buy the young busser a car. He wouldn't doubt it if the Pastry Chef was being serious because all Tao ever was towards Sehun was serious. 

They arrived at the supermarket rather quickly and Sehun didn't hesitate to hitch a ride on Tao's back, despite all the strange stares they were receiving from the supermarket staff and a few shoppers.

"Are you two always this strange?" mumbled Kris as Tao led the way down the aisle.

Sehun shrugged as he tightened his hold around his best friend's neck and swung his legs playfully. " We lived in a world where only the two of us exist, it's impossible for us to not be strange."

Kris, who normally was not one to pry, couldn't help as his curiosity continued to spark. "Why do only you two exist in this so called 'world' of yours?"

"Because-" started Sehun.

"I'm his lifeline and he is mine." Tao explained quietly and the way the Pastry Chef said it was almost as if to tell Sehun to stop talking. 

Sehun slipped in a quiet apology as he snuggled into Tao and the awkwardness befell them once again. 

Maybe it was impulse or maybe it was simply just curiosity, but Kris found himself asking a question he didn't plan on. "Is it impossible for others to be included in your world?"

Tao, who was busy looking at the bags of fruits, stopped as he turned to face Kris with wide, analytical eyes. Sehun's  eyes were widened in shock and Tao was the first to speak after he loudly cleared his throat. "No. It's not impossible." 

"So... does that leave an invitation for me?"

It was Tao's turn to be shocked as he exchanged a quiet gaze with Sehun. The young Pastry Chef hesitated for a moment before he turned to Kris with a small smirk playing on his lips. "Well, yes, I suppose it does. However, it takes alot to be included."

Kris nodded and didn't say anything more as they continued to go down the aisle, grabbing various of supplies here and there. With each minute that ticked by, Kris found himself more and more intrigued with the world the Pastry Chef and Busser were so wrapped up in and he couldn't help but wonder if  there really was any room for him in that world. He was so lost in thought that before he knew it, they were back at the restaurant.

"Hello? Assistant General Manager? Earth-to-Kris!" Tao sang, waving his hand frantically infront of Kris' face.

"Oh...uh...sorry." Kris mumbled and he could instantly feel his cheeks heat up at the embarrassment as he found himself thinking about the Pastry Chef rather than his friend's upcoming birthday.

Tao pouted slightly before heaving a sigh and shoving his leopard printed notebook towards the taller one. "Anyways, like I was saying, here are some ideas. Pick out which ever ones you like and we can get started. By the way...you so owe me for this. Don't get me wrong, I want to celebrate General Manager's birthday just as much as the next person, but this goes beyond my shift. "

Kris nodded as Tao went to go retrieve some spare aprons in the back. The Pastry Chef quickly handed one to Kris before helping Sehun into his.

"Wha...it's been forever since I've last helped you bake." Sehun beamed as Tao reached behind him to help the younger one tie the apron strings.

"Hmm, it has, hasn't it? That's because last time you nearly burned down our old apartment. We got scolded by the landlady and nearly kicked out! Be sure not to burn this kitchen down or I have a feeling that I won't be able to stop Sous Chef from murdering you." growled Tao as he playfully tugged at the younger one's nose before lightly ruffling his hair.

"You guys are quite young...." Kris blurted, not meaning to be so intently listening to their conversation. Tao turned to face the older one with confusion seeped into his features.

"Yeah. And?"

"You said you both lived in an apartment before...I mean, it seems as if you two had lived with just each other for quiet a while even though you two are fairly young." Kris mumbled and yet again the younger two shared a glance that Kris didn't quite understand, but knew that their were hidden secrets between the two.

"Yes. Like I said, he's my lifeline and I am his. "Tao restated before he gently reached up to Sehun's cheek softly as he flashed the younger busser a soft smile.

A smile, meant for just the two of them, was shared between the two and Kris couldn't help but feel....

"I'm quite jealous." Kris blurted, not meaning to actually speak his thoughts out aloud. A soft, noticeable blush flourished the older one's cheeks as he awkwardly cleared his throat and pretended to turn his attention back to the recipe notebook.

"Jealous?" Tao asked and Kris glanced up as the younger one's lips curved slightly up into a vague smirk.

"Well, I mean...the relationship between you two is so strong and...I just um...never mind, forget it." Kris grumbled, confused as why today of all days his thoughts seemed to pour endlessly from his loose lips. 

Tao shrugged and didn't say nothing more as they began to work. Sehun mostly prepared the easy things, like the fruits and the loads of frosting, while Tao and Kris did most of the actual baking. After the young busser did everything he was need for, he quickly slipped out the kitchen to go nap in the break room- leaving the awkward Pastry Chef and Assistant General Manager alone together.

"." cursed Kris under his breath as his hand had slipped forward while cracking an egg, causing part of the shell to fall into the batter. 

A soft chuckle left Tao's lips as he set down the batter he was mixing and moved over, using gloved hands to pull the shell from the batter. "Here's a tip to cracking eggs easily and without worrying about the shell."

"Try cracking it against a flat surface rather than the edge of the bowl." Tao took Kris' hand and slipped an egg in between his fingers before guiding him to gently tap the egg against the flat surface of the counter. Without removing his hand from Kris', he helped the elder one successfully crack the egg and just like the younger one had said- there were no stray pieces of shell. "See? You were just putting too much force and cracking it weirdly. Or it could possible just be your huge hands."

The young Pastry Chef grinned as he teased Kris, expecting the taller one to retort back, but to his surprise- Kris didn't say a word.

It's not that Kris didn't have anything to say back, but rather he couldn't really focus on the fact that his junior just informally . Instead, his focus was on the strange way his body had heated when Tao's skin came in contact with his own and how a small shiver nearly coursed it's way through him as the Pastry Chef's breath had glossed over the side of his neck. Sudden images of their awkward incident on the floor the other day flooded the taller one's mind and he instantly jerked away from Tao- afraid of what was happening to him.

"I'm going crazy..." Kris muttered as his eyes scanned the room, refusing to look at the Pastry Chef.

"Huh?" Tao asked, not quite sure what Kris was talking about.

"Nothing. J-Just get back to baking..." Kris grumbled, turning his attention back to the batter at hand.

It was quiet for a moment as Tao stared at Kris with analytical eyes once more and Kris fidgeted nervously under the Pastry Chef's stare as he attempted to ignore the holes the younger one was basically boring into him.

"You know, w-we could have a relationship similar...." Tao mumbled causing Kris to tense and look at the younger one with confusion in his features.

"What?"

"You said you we're jealous of how close Sehun and I were....I w-was saying w-we could um...we could be similar..I..um..." stuttered Tao, cursing mentally at himself the moment he felt his cheeks heat up. He quickly averted the taller one's gaze as he went back to working at the batter.

Maybe it was the strange feeling that was bubbling inside Kris, or maybe it was the adoring blush that seemed to cover the Pastry Chef's cheeks, but Kris found himself saying yet another thing that he didn't plan on. "We could..."

Tao's head whipped up in shock as he turned to stare at the Assistant General Manager in shock. "Um...r-really...?"

Kris nodded, asking himself why he couldn't look the younger one in the eye, as he pretended to be busy with the batter.

"Flour..." Tao breathed as he suddenly inched closer.

"Flower? What about a flower?" Kris asked, confused as he turned to look at the younger one- shocked to find that their faces were only a few inches apart.

"No, idiot. Not 'flower', but flour. On your cheeks." Tao chuckled as he reached up and wiped the streaks of flour from Kris' cheeks. Kris visibly tensed as he in a breath, eye immediately flicker down to capture the younger one's gaze.

The streaks of flour were long gone, but neither moved as they blankly stared into each other's eyes. 

Kris could feel his heart flutter slightly and the taller one was almost positive that it had more so to do with the fact that Tao was close, too close, than anything else.

Again, maybe it's just because today he wasn't acting like himself, or maybe it's from the fact that Tao's cat-like lips seemed softer close up, but Kris found himself taking a step forward as he leaned in close- leaving barely a hair's width between their lips.

Tao audibly gulped as his eyes flickered down to the lips that were so close to his own and for some odd reason, he couldn't bring himself to pull away. "Kris..."

The way his name rolled of the Pastry Chef's tongue caught Kris off guard as he noticed the soft blush that covered the younger one's cheeks and Kris wanted nothing more than to close the space between them.

"Hey, ZiZi, did you two finish already?" Sehun's voice suddenly rang as the young busser approached the kitchen.

Tao jerked in shock at the sudden sound of his approaching friend's voice and stumbled back, accidently pulling Kris with him. A sharp gasp left the Tao's lips as his back collided with the counter top and Kris fumbled to keep them both from falling as he gripped the shorter one's waist with one hand while the other gripped onto the counter.

He yanked Tao to him, keeping the younger one from falling, but froze the moment a surprised moan slipped passed Tao's lips. 

Tao was pressed between the counter and Kris, with the taller one's hips pressed firmly against his own- the cause of his previous moan.

Kris had frozen the moment he heard the moan and he cautiously glanced down to see that the Pastry Chef's face was completely flushed, all the way up to his ears.  

Tao, completely embarrassed and mortified, shoved the Assistant General Manager off of him just as the young Busser came strolling in with a daze look, obviously showing he had just woken up from a nap.

"O-Oh, Sehun... y-yeah, we're almost done. Just gotta pop them in the oven." Tao mumbled as he laughed dryly before turning to pour his batter in the cupcake pan.

"ZiZi, are you okay? You look kind of red. Maybe you should take a break." Sehun murmured as he walked up to Tao and placed the back of his hand on his friend's forehead, checking for a fever.

"I'm fine, Hunnie. Go back and get some rest. I'll be needing you in a bit when these finish for the decorations. " Tao mumbled and Sehun nodded before leaning up to peck the taller one of the nose.

"Hmm. Okay. Come get me if you need any help." Sehun said before heading back to the break room. 

The Pastry Chef heaved a sigh as soon as Sehun left and he quickly turned to face Kris as he flashed an apologetic smile. "S-Sorry about...that."

Kris visibly blushed as he shook his head. "D-Don't be. Accidents happen....it's fine."

Tao simply nodded, not wanting to carry on such an awkward conversation, before turning back to pop the cupcakes in the oven- mentally cursing his teenage hormones as he already found it hard to stop his body from heating up.

He couldn't lie even if his life depended on it; there was no doubt in his mind that he actually wanted Kris' lips pressed up against his own.

But Tao couldn't help but shiver just from his own imagination because it was frightening.

Extremely, but oh how sweetly, frightening.

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"Kyungsoo-hyung~! Hyung~! "Kai sang as he finally strolled into the kitchen.

"Yah! You're late! Did you pick out the wine for Suho's celebration? Did you pick up a gift as well?" Kyungsoo asked as he flew past Kai to quickly bring out the last of the food he made for Suho's celebration that was in just a few minutes.

"Yes, Yes I did. I wrapped it and put both our names on it. I also picked out a nice, sweet wine. Calm down, Kyungsoo-hyung. Everything's taken care of. The only thing left is for Yi Xing and Luhan to return with the tubs of ice cream." Kai murmured.

"No, no, no. no. We're missing some-the balloons! Damn it, Kris, where the hell are the balloons?!" Kyungsoo screamed from the top of his longs as he began setting up the tables they had set aside for the celebration.

"I DON'T ING KNOW. OPEN YOUR EYES AND LOOK, DAMN IT." Kris growled from the kitchen. 

"I THOUGHT I ASKED YOU TO SET UP THE ING BALLOONS, !" Kyungsoo snapped back and everyone stared at the Sous Chef in amazement, surprised that he even had the guts to yell at Kris.

A frantic Kyungsoo is a bossy and sassy Kyungsoo.

"WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?"

"YOU FUC-"

"Nothing!!!" Kai quickly interjected, afraid that things would escalate too quickly.

He quickly yanked the small Sous Chef towards the break room, covering his mouth to muffle the string of profanities in the process.

"Yah! Why the hell did you cover my mout-" started Kyungsoo the moment he was pushed into the break room, but he was quickly silenced as a pair of soft, plump lips pressed firmly against his own.

Like magic, the Sous Chef instantly relaxed in the kiss and completely forgot about his bubbling anger towards a certain Assistant General Manager. The kiss was unexpected, soft, sweet, and gentle and Kyungsoo didn't have it in him to pull away.

However, Kai did. A little too soon, the bartender pulled away with a soft smile on his lips as he reached up to run his fingertips across the rosy blush on the shorter one's cheeks.

"I'm sorry for kissing you without permission, but I couldn't help it. I won't do it anymore. I told you I would wait and I will." Kai murmured as he pulled the shorter one in for a hug.

A soft, content sigh left Kyungsoo's lips as he reached up to encircle his arms around the bartender's waist. They stood there for a few moments as Kyungsoo relaxed in Kai's embrace and soon Kai pulled back to gaze down softly at the shorter one. A smile perched onto the bartender's lips as he reached up and pushed the loose strands away from Kyungsoo's face.

"Kyungsoo?" Kai called softly, dropping formalities as he locked gazes with the Sous Chef.

"Yes?"

"I like you." Kai mumbled before leaning down to peck the shorter one on the cheek. "I really like you, Kyungsoo-hyung."

Kyungsoo blushed as Kai confessed yet again, but in a barely audible whisper as his arms tightened around the shorter one.  "I like you, Kyungsoo. Everything about you. Your eyes are beautiful, your lips are perfect, and you're just....I like you."

"W-what are you saying..." grumbled Kyungsoo, too flushed and swept away by the younger one's words to really say anything back.

"Hyung, I really want to kiss you right now, but I won't if you say you don't want to. Can I kiss you, hyung?" Kai asked softly.

Not trusting himself, Kyungsoo simply nodded as he allowed his eyes to flutter close.

It was soft, warm, and sweet as Kai's lips pressed gently against his and Kyungsoo could smell the faint scent of cheap coffee on the younger one's lips. Kyungsoo expected Kai to pull back, but instead the younger one nibbled softly on Kyungsoo's bottom lip- drawing a soft gasp from the Sous Chef.

He was begging for entrance and Kyungsoo wasn't one to really deny the younger one of anything. Hesitantly, Kyungsoo parted his lips, only for Kai to slip his tongue in-drawing soft hums from the Sous Chef.

"Kai...." Kyungsoo moaned in the kiss as the younger one suddenly hoisted him up, forcing Kyungsoo 's legs to wrap tight around his waist, and slammed their lips together with a hungry force.

Kyungsoo naturally reached up to twist his fingers in the younger one's locks, softly in the kiss as Kai softly on his tongue- emitting a soft clicking sound that echoed throughout the quiet break room.

Again, the fuzzy haze seemed to wash over Kyungsoo as he found himself tugging the bartender closer as he rolled his hips, earning a soft moan from Kai before the bartender set Kyungsoo back onto his feet.

"Kyungsoo...you shouldn't do that....I nearly lost control..." mumbled Kai as he pulled away, panting.

"I-I'm sorry, I don't know why I....sorry." Kyungsoo mumbled before Kai pulled him in for a soft, gentle lingering kiss.

"Don't apologize. We should go and help the other's now...."

"Yeah, we should."

Kai grinned before leaning down to press his forehead against Kyungsoo's. "Or.....you can make me coffee?"

Kyungsoo rolled his eyes and groaned before pushing away the whining bartender. He turned to leave, but stopped just as he reached the door and looked over his shoulder at Kai with a smile playing on his lips.

"Black or Cream?"

A huge grin graced Kai's lips as he stared at the hyung he adored so much.

"Black, please!!"

||Author's Note||: Some Kaisoo and Taoris~ Yeah~ Anyways, hope you all enjoyed the chapter! :) Thanks to all the lovely subscribers, comments. and upvoters! Authornim loves you all! I'll try to update quickly! Happy New Year! :) I'm thinking of starting a really quirky, OT12 fic for the new year after I finish all my other fics~ I'm certainly excited just thinking about it because I've been planning this fic for the last few months xD

Oh, Also, sidenote: For those who speak spanish, this fic has also begun to be translated into spanish which you can find here after you make an account ^^ :

http://ficsbox.latinforos.es/t229-multiple-cupid-s-kitchen-capitulo-1-welcome-to-hell-s-kitchen#1384