Genesis

Pancakes and Proposals

     "Good morning," I heard a familiar voice whisper into my ear as I surfaced from a wonderful dream I'd already forgotten.

     I peeked my eyes open to see the hazy image of Dorian smiling at me.

     "Good morning," I whispered back, sitting up groggily and letting out a soft yawn. Dorian smiled his smile once again and kissed me, before letting his fingertips run through my hair.

     "Happy birthday, Quinn," he said softly, his thumb stroking my cheek, "You know, it never occurred to me to ask how old you're turning today. You already know I turned eighteen in April, so how old are you turning?"

     "I'm seventeen today," I answered him.

     He smirked, "Well, now I know what to put on your birthday card."

     I gasped, "You got me a birthday card?!"

     "Maybe I did, maybe I didn't. I can't say," he said as he traced his thumb over my lip, "It is called a secret for a reason, you know."

     I threw my arms over his shoulders in exasperation, "I just need to know!"

     "And you will. Today's the day. I have some things to take care of before the sun comes up, so sleep in a little longer. I'll be waiting for you by the pond after sunrise. Then, we can start on your birthday adventure," he smiled softly as he drew me in for another warm kiss, grabbing his coat and unzipping the tent door.

     "See you soon," he grinned at me before stepping outside and zipping the door closed behind him. I fell onto my back again, listening to the sound of his footsteps as my mind wandered back into its blanket of sleep.

     ...

     I awoke soon after my heart remembered the feelings of excitement keeping me up the night before. I put my clothes on in a hurry and practically flew out of the tent, stopping by the food tent in the hopes that Kraig was awake. I rounded the corner of the animal-prepping tent, kicking off my boots before I entered Kraig's kitchen.

     "Glad to see that someone respects my no-shoes rule," I heard Kraig say as I walked up to him.

     "Good morning!" I greeted him cheerily.

     "I'm guessing that beaming smile has something to do with Dorian's birthday surprise for you," he said, handing me a basket.

     "What's this?" I asked him.

     "Dorian asked me to prepare you both some lunch for the day. I've got some breakfast for you too, in case you're hungry."

     I placed the basket on a nearby table and, when I turned my head, I could not believe what Kraig was handing me. It was an actual stack of pancakes.

     "Is this what I think it is?" I asked him in disbelief.

     "Quinn, allow me to introduce to you Kraig's signature Apocalypse Pancakes, only available at Kraig's Kitchen," he grinned at me.

     "Oh. My. GOSH!" I exclaimed as I drew him into an ecstatic embrace.

     "Hey now, don't thank me yet. I need you to taste them. I spent weeks perfecting this recipe, but I need to be sure that I finally have it just right," he told me, pulling out a stool and placing it before the table we were next to. I sat down as he put the plate in front of me. He handed me a fork and a knife, which I took, then proceeding to delicately press my knife down on the edge of the first pancake, watching as it slowly sunk past the delightful berries gathered on top and into the stack, licking my lips as the syrup sunk down with it. After I repeated the ritual once more, I grabbed hold of the piece I'd carved with my fork and lifted it past my lips. Once it hit my tongue, I tasted a masterpiece. The succulent softness of the fluffy pancake, the warmth of it. The sweetness of the syrup and the tiny fruity explosions of the berries. There was only one word for it.