Imperfect Desires

309 Take This To A Room

Darren could hear Xiu and Dylan's voice even before he entered the kitchen. It wasn't surprising at all that both of them quibbling again but it had become a norm now so he wasn't really concerned about it.

"I did great, right?" he heard Dylan ask.

"Fan-bloody-tastic!" soon followed Xiu's voice dripping with derision.

"Why does it sound like you're being sarcastic?"

"Oh, bummer! You actually got that!" Xiu gasped in surprise which definitely didn't sound real. "I asked you to put sugar in it. You added salt! Do you think I should be complimenting you over being such a dumbass!"

Dylan scratched the nape of his neck sheepishly as he replied, "I promise someone swapped the tags. It wasn't my fault."

Xiu glared at him while staring at her soup that was supposed to be sweet but now was salty. She was getting a headache now. How was she supposed to fix this? Her tangyuan(Sweet Soup Balls) definitely couldn't be missed on this meal! She chose this dessert after thinking deeply about it. The dessert wasn't chosen just randomly, she chose it because of its name which is actually similar to the phrase for 'family reunion'.

Because of that, it felt right to make it. After all, today was a special day since Dylan told her it had been months since his father and his uncle came home. And if her assumption wasn't wrong than Dylan's sister was also gonna show up. It was indeed a family reunion.

Seeing her brooding all by herself, Dylan patted her head saying, "Relax! It's really not a big deal."

"Not for you since it's your family. It is a huge deal for me, Dylan!" Xiu retorted sharply but there was a tinge of sadness in her voice that she wasn't able to conceal very well. "This is my first time cooking for someone other than Nora's family. I wanted it to be perfect."

Dylan shook his head at her, "It is already perfect!" He really thought she was overreacting. It was just a meal. There was really nothing to worry about. But he was certainly missing a point here that it was not as simple for Xiu whose only interaction with a proper family had been Jing Family. And this family was very dear to Darren, and because all of them were so welcoming to her, she really wanted to do something in return.

All of them showed her warmth that she never had experienced and it overwhelmed her. Her culinary skills were her pride and that was her way to say thanks to anyone. She couldn't afford to mess this one up.

*Ahem!*

Hearing a cough both Xiu and Dylan turned around to find Darren leaning against the doorframe with an amused expression. Even though he had seen Xiu and Dylan squabbling just a minute ago, he still could tell that their relationship had changed big time. They seemed really close now for some reason.

Xiu's eyes lost the dispair as soon as she saw Darren smiling at her. Her eyes sparkled when he opened his arms for her and Xiu didn't take a minute before running up to him. Her arms went around his neck while her lips attached to his without giving him any chance to refuse. Not like he was going to.

Darren's one arm snaked around her waist to support her since she was standing on her tippy toes while his other hand held the back of her head to get better access to the mouth that he missed so much. It was official, he was addicted to her kisses. There was no way around it.

Hold up! Actually, he was addicted to her! Her eyes, her lips, her smile, her touch, her everything. He was simply addicted.

They pulled away slightly but with the tips of their nose still touching like a soft caress. It was just a moment, she looked into his eyes and he looked back. Between that one glance and that kiss, the world had come to a standstill around them. The air around them seemed intense, in those briefest of moments, Darren couldn't help pulling her body even closer if that was even possible. It seemed like he wanted to mold her within himself, possess her, own her, or maybe just keep her close to his heart where he could feel her.

"Hi!" he whispered in a breathy way close to her lips and flashed her a beautiful smile.

Xiu felt herself melting away with that one look and that one smile. Everything was forgotten even her initial worries were no more. Who or what would dare to touch her when he was embracing her in his strong arms as if reassuring her that everything was alright.

Xiu hid her face in his neck as she whispered against his skin, "You're late."

Darren quirked his brows, "Did you know I was gonna come?"

Xiu hummed in reply, "I knew you'd come." She tilted her head a little to look up at him saying, "There is no way you'd be at rest knowing that your Sweets is missing you."

"Damn! That's dangerous!" whispered Darren while running his hand through her hair.

"What is?" asked Xiu enjoying the feeling of his hand in her hair, the touch of his other hand on the small of her back, and even the scent of his that reassured her that he was standing right there.

He tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear as he replied, "It's dangerous that my Sweets know me so well." He kissed the top of her head.

"My heart has a way to yours, if I'm missing you that means you're missing me as well. That's how we are connected," answered Xiu feeling really happy inside.

Darren chuckled at her words but didn't say anything to refute it. Suddenly, Xiu pulled away and held his face between her soft hands as she pouted, "Baby, why are you looking so worn out? What's with these dark circles? You have become so thin. Good thing that I cooked a lot of healthy food, I'm gonna stuff you up and make you look like a steamed bun."

"Steamed bun?" Darren raised his brows at her. "You want me to be fat? What about my hard-earned muscles?"

Xiu jutted her chin up saying, "Your muscles need a protective layer." Darren burst out laughing at her reply while she went on, "Don't laugh, I don't mind you with a few fats. Actually, I think you'll look super adorable." She was giggling picturing his super adorable look in her head all by herself.

Darren poked her head, "Silly..."

Xiu grinned at him without holding back.

He held her cheeks and said, "I'd rather see you with soft chubby cheeks that I could squeeze all the time."

This image of them was rather heartwarming but a certain someone who was left to suffer through it was certainly not feeling it. Since he was scowling all to himself with an indescribable look in his eyes.

"Can you both take this to a room?" Dylan's voice finally made Xiu and Darren realize that Dylan was also with them in the kitchen.