Brownies.
“Koda, you’re going to get a tummy ache,” Maxwell sighed, rolling his eyes as he scooped more gloopy chocolate batter into the baking tray. The kitchen was a disaster zone, flour sprinkled across the counters and chocolate streaks decorating nearly every surface.
Koda, perched nonchalantly on the countertop, had the rubber spatula in hand and was thoroughly enjoying the raw batter, his face a sticky mess of chocolate, his clothes just as bad. He looked up at Maxwell, completely unfazed, and gave a wide grin as he sucked the spatula clean, not missing a single drop.
Maxwell slid the tray into the oven, wiping his hands on a dish towel before turning his attention to the boy. His hands rested on his hips, a mock sternness in his voice. “We have twenty minutes to clean up before the brownies are done. Come here.”
Koda just shook his head, the tip of the spatula still dangling from his mouth. “Nuh uh, Maxy!” He shoved his small frame further into the counter, refusing to budge.
Max exhaled through his nose, a little less patient now. “Daddy will be home soon, and he’s gonna have a fit at the mess we’ve made in here. Then he’s gonna have another fit when he sees you, my boy.” He leaned down, trying to make his words sink in.
Koda hesitated, considering it for a moment. His gaze flickered to the hallway as if imagining the chaos to come. With a dramatic slump of his shoulders, he finally relented. “Fineee,” he whined, rolling his eyes in exaggerated defeat as he slid forward for Maxwell to lift him off the countertop.
Maxwell caught him easily, scooping the boy up with a soft chuckle. “We need to clean you up. The mess has to stay in here, not spread all over the house.” He wrapped his arms around Koda, pulling him close.
Koda squirmed and whined in protest, clutching the spatula even tighter. “I don’t wanna! I wanna finish my batter!” he protested, trying to wriggle free.
“We both know that’s not happening,” Maxwell teased, his voice gentle but firm. He carried the squirming boy toward the bathroom, trying to pry the spatula from his grip.
The ensuing battle wasn’t pretty—Koda clung to the spatula like his life depended on it, and Maxwell was left with a growing mess of chocolate on his hands and face. After what felt like ages, Maxwell finally managed to get Koda’s dirty clothes off, grabbing the spatula with a triumphant “Gotcha!”
Koda, still not pleased, wriggled out of Maxwell’s arms the moment he could, running off toward the other room while Maxwell went to clean up the kitchen.
Maxwell sighed, looking around at the chaos they’d left behind, but he couldn’t help but smile. It was a mess, sure, but it was their mess.
And, in the end, the brownies would be totally worth it.
~
The front door creaked open, and the familiar scent of fresh air mixed with something sweeter—chocolate—wafted through the air. Adrian stepped inside, his boots making soft sounds against the hardwood as he entered, taking in the cozy warmth of home. A smile tugged at his lips as the sweet scent of brownies filled his senses.
“Hey, my boy!” Adrian called out, his voice warm with affection.
Koda, still dressed in nothing but his white vest top and diaper, was darting around the living room, playing with his toys. The moment he spotted his daddy, he squealed in excitement, his little feet slapping against the floor as he rushed toward Adrian, giggles tumbling out of him.
Adrian chuckled, his heart swelling with joy as he bent down to scoop Koda into his arms, holding him close. The little boy’s chocolate-covered face pressed against his shoulder as he nestled into the comfort of his daddy’s embrace.
“Well, looks like you’ve been busy,” Adrian teased lightly, looking at the mess on Koda’s face and the streaks of batter on his tiny hands. He raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “Where are your clothes, buddy? You’re a mess!”
Koda grinned and squirmed in Adrian’s arms. “Maxy took ’em off! I got all messy with the brownies!” He paused for a moment, eyes sparkling with excitement. “Brownies for din-ner, Daddy! Please!”
Adrian smiled and kissed Koda’s messy head, carefully setting him on the highchair that was tucked by the kitchen counter. Koda whined a little as his feet hit the seat, his arms reaching out for Adrian as he protested in his sweet, childlike voice.
“Nuh-uh! I don’t wanna sit here, Daddy!” Koda wiggled and squirmed in the highchair, clearly wanting to stay close to his daddy on the floor.
Adrian placed a gentle hand on Koda’s head, stroking his hair back soothingly. “Come on, buddy. You can’t stay running around all night. Let’s get you comfy and let me and Max catch up, alright?”
Koda pouted, his bottom lip trembling slightly, but after a moment’s pause, he reluctantly stayed put, still whining under his breath. “I want more brownies, Daddy.”
Maxwell, who had just emerged from the kitchen, appeared slightly disheveled. His shirt was a little wrinkled, chocolate streaks smeared across his hands, and he was shaking his head in amusement. He caught Adrian’s eye and smiled.
“I take it the little one’s been having fun today?” Adrian asked, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow as he leaned against the counter.
Maxwell sighed dramatically, wiping his hands on a towel. “That’s one way to put it. We’ve had a full day of flour, chocolate, and... a little too much enthusiasm from Koda here.”
Koda, still sitting in his highchair, tilted his head and grinned up at his daddy. “I only made a tiny mess, Daddy!” He was clearly proud of himself, chocolatey hands still gripping the edge of the tray.
Adrian chuckled, glancing over at Maxwell, who was still wiping his hands. “Well, he’s been very enthusiastic about the brownies, that much is obvious.”
Maxwell laughed lightly and leaned against the kitchen counter, watching the exchange. “Let’s just say we might need to invest in some cleaning supplies after this. But the brownies are almost ready... and Koda’s already claimed his portion.”
Koda bounced a little in his highchair, eyes sparkling with excitement. “Brownies for dinner, Daddy? Please, please, pleeease?”
Adrian looked down at his eager boy, smiling warmly. “You really want brownies for dinner?”
“Yesss!” Koda whined, a little more desperate now as his hands clutched at the tray, his excitement bubbling over.
Maxwell chuckled softly. “I think he might actually eat them all before we even get a chance to sit down.” He gave Adrian a mock-exasperated look.
Adrian shook his head with a smile, walking over to the counter to grab a plate. “Alright, alright. You’ve earned it, Koda. A little treat before dinner—just don’t eat too many or you’ll be bouncing off the walls later.”
Koda’s face lit up, and he grinned up at Adrian. “I’ll eat it ALL, Daddy!” His hands were already reaching for the brownies before Adrian even had them fully plated, the little boy’s excitement filling the room.
As Adrian served the brownies onto a plate, Maxwell wiped his brow with exaggerated relief. “Maybe next time we’ll try baking without the little hands in the mix.”
Adrian gave him an amused glance, handing Koda a piece of brownie. “Next time, Maxwell, next time.”
The three of them shared a laugh, and Adrian leaned in to kiss Koda on the forehead, ruffling his messy hair. The kitchen might have been a disaster, but in that moment, it felt like everything was exactly where it needed to be.
