Chapter 3: Act One Turning Point
The grand buffet was a sight to behold. The room was bathed in a warm, golden light, casting a soft glow on the polished marble floor. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of a myriad of dishes, each one more mouth-watering than the last. The hum of conversation and the clinking of cutlery against fine china created a symphony of sounds that was both soothing and invigorating.
Merak led the way, his colorful suit drawing admiring glances from those around them. He was a man who commanded attention, and he wore it like a second skin. His eyes scanned the buffet tables, taking in the array of food with a critical eye.
"Look at this spread," he murmured, his voice filled with appreciation. "It's like a fucking foodie's dream come true."
Ombre chuckled, his tail swishing behind him as he followed Merak's gaze. "I've never seen anything like it," he admitted. "It's... overwhelming."
Ankoku walked up behind them, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Well, Ombre, I thought you'd like to try something new. And what better way to do that than with a buffet like this?"
Ombre's cheeks flushed slightly at the reminder of their earlier encounter. "Yeah, I guess you're right," he said, his voice soft.
Ankoku put a hand on Ombre's arsecheek, making him squeak.
"Hey, none of that. We're here to eat, not... you know." Merak chuckled, "Yeah, let's not scare the other guests."
They started to fill their plates with an assortment of dishes. Merak went for the seafood, while Ankoku piled his plate high with meats and cheeses. Ombre, on the other hand, seemed to be having trouble deciding.
"What do you usually like to eat, Ombre?" Merak asked, noticing his indecision.
"I... I don't really know," Ombre admitted, his cheeks flushing. "I've never had the chance to try... I don't really have that much money these days..."
Ankoku came over, "How about you try some clam chowder?" He scooped some onto a spoon and held it out to Ombre. "It's one of my favorites."
Ombre looked at the spoon, then back at Ankoku. I don't know if I can," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Merak looked at him, concern etched on his face. "Why not, Ombre? Don't you like clam chowder?"
Ombre shook his head. "It's not that. It's just... I've never eaten anything so fancy before. What if I don't like it? What if I make a fool of myself?"
Ankoku's expression softened. "Hey, it's okay.
It's just food, Ombre. There's no right or wrong way to enjoy it," Merak said gently, giving Ombre's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "And if you don't like it, that's okay too. We can try something else."
Ombre took a deep breath, looking at the spoonful of chowder Ankoku was still holding out for him. He tentatively opened his mouth, and Ankoku slowly fed him the spoonful.
The taste was unlike anything Ombre had ever experienced. It was rich and creamy, with a subtle brininess from the clams. The herbs and vegetables added depth and complexity, and the breadcrumbs on top added a satisfying crunch.
"Here, I found some Cesar Salad too." Ankoku said, bringing a bunch of food to their table.
Ombre blushed, "A-ah, you d-don't have to-" "Nonsense," Ankoku interrupted, placing the dishes on the table. "I want to make sure you're well-fed." He winked at Ombre, who blushed even harder.
Merak watched the exchange, a small smile playing on his lips. "You two are something else," he said, shaking his head.
Ombre looked at Merak, his eyes wide. "W-what do you mean?" "I mean, you're both so... different. And yet, here you are, getting along like old friends." Merak took a sip of his drink, his eyes never leaving the two of them.
"I mean, look at you, Ombre. You're this... this beautiful, unique creature, and yet you're so shy and uncertain. And Ankoku, you're this ruthless businessman, but you're being so gentle and patient with Ombre. It's... it's fascinating to watch." "Well, Merak, I guess we're all full of surprises." He turned to Ombre, his expression softening. "You know, Ombre, I've never met anyone like you before. You're... you're something special."
Ombre's cheeks flushed at the compliment, his tail swishing nervously behind him.
"T-thank you, Merak," he stammered. "That's... that's really nice of you to say."
Ankoku chuckled, "He's right, you know. You're one of a kind, Ombre." He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind Ombre's ear. "And I, for one, am glad to have you in my life."
Ombre's breath hitched at the touch, his eyes fluttering closed for a moment. When he opened them again, he looked at Ankoku with a newfound confidence. "I'm glad to be in your life too, Ankoku," he said, his voice steady.
The two nodded, before going off to get more food. Not for them, for Ombre.
He wanted to make sure Ombre was comfortable, that he felt safe and at ease. He wanted to make sure Ombre knew that he was valued, that he was special.
"Here, try this," Ankoku said, holding out a small plate of sushi.
Ombre looked at the plate, his eyes wide. "I-I don't know if I can," he stammered. "I've never eaten sushi before."
Ankoku chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Well, Ombre, it's never too late to try something new."
Merak then came back with several different plates of food. Lobster, crab, shrimp, garlic bread, cake...
and a few other things I thought you might like."
Ombre's eyes widened as he took in the array of food. "Merak, this is... this is too much," he stammered, his cheeks flushing. "I can't possibly eat all of this."
"Yes you are, darling." Merak said, kissing Ombre's cheek.
"You're going to have to try, Ombre. It's not every day you get to eat like this. Besides, you need to keep your strength up. You've been through a lot lately."
Ankoku nodded in agreement. "Merak's right, Ombre. You need to eat. And besides, I want to see you try all these new things. It's exciting, isn't it?"
Ombre looked at the two of them, his eyes filled with a mix of apprehension and excitement. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenge. "Okay," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.