Chapter 11

Nathan strode down the stone path toward the garden, the cool breeze rustling the leaves around him. His boots clicked against the stones with a rhythmic sound as he walked, his thoughts set on the familiar path that led to Sarang. When he spotted him, kneeling on the grass, his trowel digging into the soft earth, a warm smile tugged at Nathan's lips.

Sarang was focused, transplanting flower buds into the freshly tilled soil. The sun cast a warm golden light, making the beads of sweat on his face shimmer like drops of dew. His gloves, now dirtied with soil, squeaked faintly with every movement. Sarang huffed in frustration as a gust of wind-swept past, knocking his straw hat from his head. He groaned, but before he could move to retrieve it, the hat was placed back on his head.

“Hello.” Nathan said, offering a friendly wave.

Sarang looked up, startled, before returning a shy wave. “Hello.” 

The silence stretched awkwardly between them, both unsure how to bridge the gap that had lingered since their argument. Sarang stood up, adjusting his hat nervously, before Nathan cleared his throat.

“How have you been?” Nathan asked, his voice laced with a cautious curiosity.

“I am fine. And you?” Sarang replied, his voice steady but tinged with uncertainty.

“Likewise. How is father and everyone?”

“Everyone is alright. Master Lucian travelled to the capital yesterday.”

Nathan raised a brow, his lips pressing together in a subtle frown. “Is something wrong?”

Sarang shifted, his fingers brushing over the petals of a nearby flower. “Why do you ask?” 

“You don’t call father by his name.” Nathan pointed out, his eyes narrowing slightly. “It’s unusual.”

Sarang waved a hand dismissively. “It’s nothing. How was Bellport?”

“I returned before my birthday, as promised.” Nathan gloated, gleaming with pride. Sarang applauded, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.

“Congratulations.”

Nathan’s smile widened, and he reached behind his back, revealing a bouquet of daffodils. The soft, fresh scent of the flowers filled the air, their petals a bright, welcoming yellow. Sarang took the bouquet, lifting it to his nose and inhaling deeply.

“Nathan, thank you for the flowers, but we have daffodils in abundance. I have no more space to plant them.”

"This bouquet is for you," Nathan said, his voice softening. "The flowers in the garden aren’t for picking." He hesitated before continuing, "I’m sorry for the hurtful words I said. It was wrong and immature of me to let my anger and insecurities take control. Every day in Bellport, I was upset at myself about our argument."

Sarang's smile faltered as he clutched the flowers, his fingers trembling slightly. He lowered his head, feeling the weight of Nathan’s apology.

“I am sorry too. For being insensitive to your fears and my actions that hurt you.” Sarang said and lifted his head. “Promise me we’ll never fight and disappear without reconciling.”

Nathan’s smile softened, a genuine warmth on his face. “I promise.”

Sarang lunged his arms around Nathan’s neck who enveloped him in a gentle hug. Sarang sank into the embrace, the warmth of Nathan’s body calming him. He relaxed into the hug, his blue eyes full of guilt and relief.

They slowly pulled away, and Nathan’s gaze shifted to the unfamiliar flower buds in the nursery. "I’ve never seen these flowers. Was there a new shipment?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Sarang glanced over, his eyes lighting up. “No, I purchased them during my journey to New Borough.”

“New Borough?” Nathan repeated, puzzled.

“Yes! It’s a small village with many festivals and master took me to their spring festival, their biggest festival! It was magical, Nathan! The people were jolly and welcoming, streets filled with local cuisines, sweets, colourful masks, beer, wine, ale, dancing, and music! They even have a magical flower called the Sundrop that blooms once a year.! It almost didn’t bloom, but I fixed it with a little water! Also, I met another lunari omega with a cute name, Luck! I’ve never seen master so relaxed.” Sarang’s voice bubbled with excitement as he recalled the adventure.

“You went with father? Oh... I am a little regretful I couldn’t experience New Borough with you.” Nathan voice softened and pouted,

Sarang gave him a sympathetic look, his hands gently taking Nathan’s. “Next spring, if nothing stops us, we’ll go to New Borough together."

“We can go somewhere this year. Somewhere that isn’t… New Borough.” Nathan said and pinched Sarang’s cheeks gently. “I brought you another gift; walk with me.”

They strolled beneath the cool shade of an oak tree, its leaves rustling softly in the wind. Nathan set a large bag on Sarang’s thighs.

"Open it," Nathan urged, his tone soft but expectant.

Sarang reached into the bag, his fingers brushing against the smooth texture of the boxes inside. He pulled out three, delighting in their elegant design.

He opened the smallest one and blinked in surprise. "What are these?"

“Tamarind.” Nathan answered. “Bellport deals with foreign import. I know how much you love sweets so I couldn’t return emptyhanded.”

Sarang recognised the tamarind—it was a treat Lucian had often brought him from his travels. Lucian always bought him gifts, but he didn’t want to incite more competition between Nathan and his father. He picked up a piece, cracking the brittle shell with ease, and bit into the reddish sweet, chewy fruit inside, his eyes closing in bliss. "It’s so sweet and chewy!" Sarang moaned, grabbing another piece.

“Do you like it?” Nathan asked as he watched Sarang devour the fruit.

“I love it so much; I don’t want to share.” Sarang replied and chewed another.

“I bought them for you, you mustn’t share.”

“Maybe one.” He relented, placing a deshelled tamarind in Nathan’s hand.

“Thank you.” Nathan smiled and chewed the fruit.

Sarang happily ate through half the box of tamarind, a content smile tugging at his lips. Leaning his head gently on Sarang’s shoulder, Nathan broke the momentary silence.

“Sarang,”

“Hmm?”

“You needn’t pretend for my sake,” Nathan said with a knowing smile “I know you’ve eaten it before.” 

Sarang paused mid-chew, his brows knitting in faint embarrassment as he scratched his chin with his index finger. “Was I too obvious?”

“Sir Trevor mentioned it when I was looking for a gift. He told me you loved tamarind, I bought them.” Nathan leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Sarang’s cheek. “This is one of the many times you’re cute.”

“Because I can pretend?” Sarang teased.

“Because you value everything given to you, even if it’s the same thing. I love you.” Nathan whispered. 

The quiet confession made Sarang’s heart ache with a mixture of guilt and affection. He felt his chest tighten as he gazed at Nathan, whose loving smile radiated warmth.

*I love you,* Sarang thought, his emotions swirling as he reached out to caress Nathan’s cheek. His fingers brushed lightly over his skin, the gesture filled with unspoken tenderness. A faint smile tugged at his lips, his resolve strengthening. *I’d do anything to protect your smile.*

“Your birthday is soon, is there anything you want?” Sarang asked and intertwined their fingers.

“There’s nothing I want in this world except you.” Nathan replied, awestruck as he cuddled Sarang.

Sarang giggled, leaning into him. “I meant a gift.”

“Anything is fine as long as it’s from you. I’m not exactly lacking, it’s the thought that matters.” Nathan sat upright and locked their fingers. “There is something I have to tell you after my birthday.”

Sarang’s curiosity flared. “And what might that be?” 

Nathan chuckled and kissed his lips. “You’ll have to wait until then.”

Sarang grumbled playfully, folding his arms. “You shouldn’t have piqued my curiosity for later.”

“You’re so cute when you pout.” Nathan said, smouldering Sarang’s cheek.

Sarang jabbed Nathan playfully in the ribs. They both laughed, the sound carrying across the quiet garden. The two of them continued to talk, enjoying each other's company beneath the shade of the oak tree as the afternoon drifted by peacefully.

**Author's note**

I wrote this chapter based on my newly discovered love of tamarinds.