I punish Xander

With breakfast finally prepared, Xander served the meal, and to my surprise, Granny was already seated at the dining room table. Everyone took their places, and as I stared at the meal before me, I couldn't help but mutter, "Are you sure this is edible?"

Xander chuckled, a glimmer in his eyes that told me how bemused he was right now. Before I could say anything more, Granny's voice cut in. "Eat it, will you? Not all men can cook, you know?" She exchanged pleased glances with Xander, who was playing the role of the 'good son-in-law' surprisingly well, considering I hadn't agreed to anything yet.

Reluctantly, I began eating, the flavor of the food a pleasant surprise. Despite my doubts, Xander had managed to create a decent meal. As Granny and Xander chatted about various topics – from the weather to recent news headlines and even his business endeavors – I found myself mostly eating in silence. It was as if my presence had become secondary in my own home.

I sighed inwardly, getting lost in my own thoughts. The meal was surprisingly great, and I couldn't help but wonder where Xander had acquired such cooking skills. After all, he was used to ordering people around, not whipping up meals.

Eventually, the meal came to an end, and the reality of post-meal cleanup loomed. I couldn't help but smirk, watching Xander walking toward the door exit in an attempt to retire back to the room, but before he could move any further, I decided to have a little fun.

I called out in a faux-helpless tone, "Oh my, humble son-in-law, my hands are tired and weak. Could you please do the dishes?"

Xander looked at me, a knowing glint in his eyes, clearly tempted to decline my request. However, the fact that Granny was listening intently to our exchange left him with little choice. With a resigned sigh, he nodded, his playful smirk turning into a half-hearted smile.

"Of course," he replied, feigning enthusiasm as he gathered the dirty dishes.

Our silent standoff had earned the attention of Granny, and Xander had no way to gracefully back out now. As he started washing the dishes, I leaned back in my chair, a satisfied smile tugging at my lips. Watching him perform the unfamiliar territory of domestic chores was a rare form of entertainment I didn't want to miss. His skills looked rusty around the edges causing him to look even funnier. Granny seemed pleased as well, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she observed him in action.

With each clatter of a plate and splash of water, I found myself feeling a strange sense of muse. It was as if, for a moment, our roles had reversed – him, reluctantly doing the work, and me, sitting back and enjoying the show.

As he finished washing the last dish, he turned to us with a mock exasperated expression. "There, dishes are done. Happy now?"

I exchanged a glance with Granny, her grin matching my own. "Very happy," I replied, a playful edge to my tone.

Granny clapped her hands, her amusement apparent. "Oh, Xander, you're a gem!"

He rolled his eyes with a theatrical sigh, but there was a hint of genuine amusement in his gaze. "Glad I could be of service," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

As he dried his hands and joined us at the table, I couldn't but even open up more to Xander. I could feel my protective walls crumbling little by little from this different side of him. Despite the odd circumstances, here I was, standing next to him and….

Willingly

***

As Xander disappeared outside to fetch clean clothes from his car, I found myself in my room, seated on my bed and engrossed in texting Agnes. Lost in conversation, I barely registered the movements in the background as Xander disappeared into the bathroom.

Agnes had asked if I could come over to her place again. She mentioned that she had forgotten a bracelet at her neighbor's place – the same neighbor who had caught me sneaking around. My eyes widened in disbelief. I quickly typed back, "Are you seriously asking me to help you sneak into his house again? No way."

Her response was rapid and pleading, and I let out a frustrating groan. Agnes had a knack for persistence, and I knew that if she kept at it, I'd eventually cave. Reluctantly, I typed back, "Fine, fine. I'll help you, but this is the last time, got it?"

My attention moved from my phone, looking up to see Xander's chest opened in broad daylight. He wad shirtless, occupied with getting his shoes laces down.

I was somehow, unable to blink away from the sight, feeling my stomach swirl inside of me. I bit against my underlip, trying to keep my head clear of stupid imaginations when a voice suddenly interrupted my thoughts. "Like what you see?"

Startled, I realized that he had caught me staring, and I looked away and back to my phone with my cheeks heated up. "Not even in my dreams."

I retorted, focusing on my business again, few seconds later, I look up to find Xander standing before me, dressed in a dashing and utterly breath-taking suit. He looked... handsome, really. I wasn't prepared for his sudden appearance

His face was sort of expressionless, his confidence evident as he adjusted his golden wristwatch. "You're off already?" I managed to ask, trying to regain my composure.

He smirked, a playful glint in his eyes. "I'd be back soon, I promise." He stepped closer, surprising me as he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead.

Caught off guard, I froze for a moment, my heart racing at the unexpected intimacy. His forehead kiss left a lingering warmth, and I watched in a daze as he walked towards the door of my room. Gathering my thoughts, I finally managed to mutter, "Um... I'll be out today. I'm going to Ryan's place."

His hand paused on the doorknob, and he turned to look at me with raised eyebrows. "What?"

My grin was slow and teasing. "I'm not going alone. I'm going with Agnes."

"Agnes?" His tone carried a hint of curiosity.

I nodded, providing a brief explanation. "She's my best friend, someone from the museum too."

He seemed to relax slightly at my response. "Alright then. Let me know when you're ready to leave, and I'll come pick you up."

I nodded in agreement, giving him a small wave as he left the room. Once he was gone, I focused back on my phone, sending Agnes a quick text. "I'll be over in five minutes."

As I got up from the bed and prepared to head out, I couldn't help but replay the unexpected things of recent in my head. There was something about Xander's presence, something that managed to catch me off guard every time. With Agnes waiting, I tucked my phone into my pocket and headed outside.