Chapter 81: Token of Appreciation
The beast seemed to not have any thoughts, as nothing appeared through Mindbloom for the course of the two weeks. Even his empty expression confirms this...
But is that truly the case?
Or could it be that like trying to pair two incompatible devices? After all, Mindbloom is like trying to decode something as fickle and amorphous as thoughts into something you can read.
But if Apple’s mind was in a ’different coding language’, then it would be incompatible and cause a system error.
Not to mention someone like Apple, who was like a man born yesterday, had to process millions of inputs every single day. The sensations he was feeling, the sights, all the information that Hermes was trying to relay with him...
Trying to read his thoughts would be like trying to siphon a whole ocean into a little funnel.
But just because you could not catch them, does not mean they’re not there.
And right now...
His most prominent thought was: "How could I make this one mine?"
He eyed Somner up and down like a scanner, processing every detail about him. Blond hair, green eyes. Heart-shaped face, button nose, round lips that were slightly downturned, cleanly-shaved eyebrows that were slightly upturned.
This man has a great sense of style, wearing clothes that fit him just right to emphasize his shoulders, waist and rump.
Apple could say that Somner’s style was comparable to something out of a magazine, his cropped bomber jacket a rich satin pink that shimmered with every movement. It shapened his shoulders while nipping neatly at the waist.
Underneath, a loose, sleeveless gold knit draped just enough to hint at his chest without hiding the length of his torso. The hem tucked carelessly into slim, high-rise trousers the same warm blush as the jacket.
The trousers hugged his hips and thighs before tapering to the ankle, where pale-gold sneakers caught the light with every step. A thin chain belt in rose-gold links curved across his hips, drawing the eye to the line of his waist. Layered bracelets in soft pink enamel and gold chimed faintly when he moved his delicate hands.
Even his sunglasses, a tinted blush gradient with narrow gold frames, felt like it was well thought out down to its shade to fit the whole ensemble.
Someone who pays attention to their appearance like this...
Must be appealed through showing appreciation.
Apple shared Hermes memories, and not once did he recall Hermes complimenting the effort Somner put on himself.
And so, after calculating the best combination of words in his head, while also making sure it’s not out of character for Hermes...
"You look like you belong on a fashion runway or something. Did you really dress up like that just for me?"
Somner blushed, feeling like he was being teased again. But at the same time, he was pleased. Just as Apple expected.
"I-It’s not just for you!" Somner smacked his shoulder lightly. "I do this all the time.... But thanks."
And since Apple also had Mindbloom, he can see his schemes bearing fruit.
[Ah, Master finally noticed my outfit! Maybe he likes this kind of style? I should wear something like this often then...]
Apple pushed back the hair off Somner’s face. "And your make up too... How long did you take just to get that so perfect? You really know what makes your pretty face shine."
Somner’s eyes widened. "You... You actually notice that I’m wearing make up?"
"All the time."
Somner swooned even more deep inside. [A man who can actually tell someone is wearing ’natural look’ make up... Master is really in a different league than the rest!]
But Somner continued to act like a tsundere on the outside. "Then why didn’t you say anything? You could have pointed it out, you know. I put a lot of effort on my looks but you just go straight to business, like you couldn’t even be bothered."
Apple smiled the same way Hermes would have. "I know you do. I guess my mind had just been occupied."
Somner pouted. "That’s fair... Oh, fuck. I sound like a vain whiny bitch, huh?"
Apple grabbed his chin. "Not at all. You have the right to be upset. I haven’t been appreciating you as much as I should have."
This line got this clingy, self-absorbed twink weak in the knees. Bullseye.
"Master...."
Somner’s voice was soft, the sharp edges of his pout melting into something almost shy. His green eyes darted down for just a second, as if looking at Apple too long would be giving him too much power.
Apple, of course, held his gaze without flinching, letting the silence stretch just enough to feel like tension rather than emptiness.
"You really mean that?" Somner asked, voice almost a whisper now.
Apple’s thumb brushed lightly along Somner’s jawline, tracing the faint contour made sharper by skillful bronzing.
"Of course I mean it. Someone like you... doesn’t just happen. You make yourself into something worth staring at."
He let his eyes trail slowly from Somner’s lips to his collarbone, making it look unhurried, like appreciating an art piece in a gallery. "And I’ve been guilty of not admiring it enough."
Somner’s breath caught, his fingers fidgeting against the side of his thigh.
"You’re... God, you’re laying it on so thick right now." He said, but there was no real protest in his tone.
Apple leaned in a fraction, just close enough that his words brushed against Somner’s skin.
"Maybe I am. But tell me to stop."
Somner didn’t.
Instead, he tilted his head back slightly, exposing the column of his neck in a subtle, involuntary invitation. Apple caught it instantly.
"You smell good, too." Apple murmured, letting the words roll out in a low tone. "Like you picked it just to make someone lean in."
Somner’s cheeks flushed, and he let out a breathy laugh. "You’re ridiculous."
"And you’re beautiful." Apple said it plainly, like stating the color of the sky. No hesitation, no room for argument.
His hand slid from Somner’s chin to cradle the side of his neck, his thumb resting just under the jaw.
"You know." He added, his voice dipping lower. "It’s a shame to put all this effort into looking this perfect... and not let me ruin it."
Somner’s lips parted slightly, his heartbeat quick enough now that Apple could almost feel it through his fingertips.
"You—"
Somner started, but Apple closed the gap before the thought could even form, his lips pressing against Somner’s with the perfect blend of familiarity and control. Hermes’ rhythm, Hermes’ confidence, but Apple’s intent.
The kiss lingered, slow and deliberate, not a question but a statement. When he pulled back just enough to meet Somner’s gaze again, his smirk was pure Hermes.
"A little token of appreciation. Want more?"
Somner, dazed and pink-cheeked, could only manage a breathless, "Fuck..."
And in the quiet hum of his thoughts, Apple heard exactly what he wanted to hear.... confirmation that this one was already halfway his.