[ he hesitates because if he doesn't they won't make it out of the kitchen and the food will go to waste. because if he doesn't everything he has wanted for all those long years may come bursting out like a tidal wave before they are able to even reach blade. the dam almost bursts when dan hen returns his kiss with one of his own, like an almost silent admonishment for his hesitance.

jing yuan laughs softly, leaning into dan heng's touch as the hands that sat on his hips reach up to scratch behind the round ears in his hair. for a moment he almost sounds like he is purring, golden eyes shining with amusement and barely restrained affection. ]

Only this time? [ give into your inner gremlin, dan heng. ] I'll happily welcome your aid, knowing him it will take our combined efforts to tear him from his work today.

[ he takes a step back, looking to the pan and the caramelized vegetables, then back to dan heng. ]

I can make the tea while you finish with the vegetables.