Page 18 of In Darkness and Dank

“Eh.” Shu shook his head, and he pinched off some of the white fluff. “Pacay.”

“Oh, you eat this part?” Kittisak put the bean back and took the fluff. It was firmer than it looked, though still smooth and fibrous when he put it in his mouth. The flavor was out of this world, and he moaned in delight.

It tasted like rich, sweet, vanilla ice cream.

“How is this even real?” Kittisak laughed and went for another blob of the white fluff. “This is incredible!”

Shu smiled, taking a small nibble for himself. He handed the rest of the pod to Kittisak.

Kittisak’s heart tumbled over itself when his fingers brushed over Shu’s. “No, hey. We can share.” He fished out some of the beans to get them out of the way. He grabbed a big wad of the white pulpy fluff and then handed it out to Shu.

“Eh.” Shu shook his head.

“Come on.” Kittisak tried putting it up to Shu’s lips.

Shu leaned back just out of reach.

Kittisak pushed closer.

Shu leaned back even more, smirking.

“Fine. Stubborn.” Kittisak rolled his eyes and then ate the big bite.

Shu reoriented himself, chuffing lightly. It sounded like he was laughing.

Kittisak stripped the inside of the pod clean, and he sighed contentedly. He was still a little thirsty, but his stomach at least had enough in it to stop chewing itself. “Thank you. That was seriously delicious.”

“Mida mer?” Shu nudged the bucket.

“All of it. Very gos.” Kittisak held up the empty pod. “Very gos mida.”

Shu shook his head. He pointed at the pod. “Pacay.”

“This is pacay?” Kittisak wiggled the pod.

“Huh.” Shu pointed at the dragon fruit. “Pitaya.” The melon. “May sapote.” And then back to the pod. “Pacay.” He gestured at everything. “Ver mida.”

Kittisak tried to keep up with the barrage of new words. “Okay, mida is food? Or maybe fruit? We eat the mida?” He made an eating motion with his hand.

“Huh!” Shu beamed.

“Okay cool. I think your little huh grunt means yes.” Kittisak saw the honey was still inside the tub. “And this one? Honey?”

“Honey?” Shu always sounded flawless when he repeated words.

“Yeah, honey.” Kittisak picked up the comb, mindful of how it was oozing, and licked the side. “Oh, my God.” He had been getting full, but now there was no way he could stop. It was the richest, sweetest honey he’d ever tasted, and he kept licking the comb for more. It reminded him of caramel, buttery and smooth with a faint hint of spice.

He didn’t know if he was actually supposed to eat the honeycomb itself or not, so he continued to lap and suck around it. He didn’t think about what a spectacle he was making of himself until he realized Shu was gawking at him with his mouth hanging open.

“You, uh, okay?” Kittisak cleared his throat.

Shu chuffed, and he leaned close.

Kittisak flinched, freezing in place.

Shu smiled softly, and then he licked the side of Kittisak’s cheek to claim some smeared honey.

Kittisak’s brain shut off.

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