Chapter: Provisions, Precisely Chosen

I do not enjoy grocery stores.

They are inefficient spaces—crowded, overlit, filled with people making deeply questionable decisions in full view of others.

And yet—

They serve a purpose.

“Stay close prince,” I said as we entered.

Beckett nodded immediately, cart already in hand, mask secure, gloves immaculate.

“…of course, Mistress.”

Persephone and Hades followed behind us, silent as ever, eyes already scanning.

Good.

The Aisle of Poor Decisions

I paused near the produce.

Not to browse.

To observe.

A woman squeezed fruit repeatedly, inspecting it with theatrical intensity.

Another debated loudly over labels she clearly did not understand.

I exhaled softly.

“…fascinating,” I murmured.

Beckett leaned slightly closer to me.

“…we can go to another aisle,” he offered.

“No,” I said calmly. “We proceed.”

He nodded.

Of course he did.

Selection

We moved with purpose.

No hesitation.

No indecision.

“Salami,” I said.

He reached for it immediately.

Checked the packaging.

The date.

The seal.

Placed it gently into the cart.

“Tea biscuits.”

Already in his hands before I finished speaking.

“Cat food.”

He paused only to ensure it was the correct brand.

“…this one,” he said softly.

“Yes.”

“Bird feed as well?”

“Naturally.”

He added it.

Efficient.

Precise.

Perfect.

Spoiled, Appropriately

We turned into the next aisle.

Beckett stopped.

“…do you want anything else?” he asked quietly.

I glanced at the shelves.

Then at him.

“Something indulgent,” I said.

He hesitated for a fraction of a second—processing—then selected a box without another word.

Placed it in the cart.

“…for you,” he added.

I allowed the faintest smile.

“You are attentive,” I murmured.

He looked away slightly, shoulders curling just enough to betray him.

“…I just… remember what you like.”

“Mm.”

Of course he did.

Subtle Corrections

A commotion near the end of the aisle.

Raised voices.

Security.

Ah.

I did not look immediately.

I did not need to.

Persephone spoke first.

“That individual attempted to conceal an item without payment.”

Hades added, “We merely ensured it was noticed.”

I glanced at them.

They stood perfectly still.

Hands folded.

Expressions neutral.

“…efficient,” I said.

Beckett shifted slightly beside me.

“…was that… you?” he asked quietly.

They did not answer.

They did not need to.

The Quiet Between Us

At checkout, the line was mercifully short.

Beckett stood close—closer than necessary.

The world pressed in around us.

Noise.

Movement.

Unwanted proximity.

I reached for his sleeve.

Light.

Deliberate.

He stilled instantly.

“…Mistress,” he murmured.

“Focus,” I said softly.

He nodded.

Grounded.

Centered.

Safe.

Departure

We left as quickly as possible.

No lingering.

No unnecessary interaction.

The night air greeted us like a reward.

Beckett exhaled softly.

“…it’s better outside,” he said.

“Everything is,” I replied.

II. Consumption

Back home, the atmosphere corrected itself immediately.

Dim lighting.

Silence.

Order restored.

I sat.

And then—

Without ceremony—

Settled onto Beckett’s lap.

He froze for a moment.

Then relaxed.

“…Mistress,” he whispered.

“Be still,” I murmured.

He obeyed.

Of course he did.

I opened the package of salami.

Selected a piece.

Held it to his lips as i nudged his mask down.

“Eat.”

He did.

Carefully.

Quietly.

His gloved hand hovered—uncertain—until I guided it.

“Here,” he said softly, offering a tea biscuit in return.

I accepted.

Bit gently.

Considered.

“Acceptable,” I said.

He exhaled, faintly relieved.

Shared Stillness

We continued like that.

Piece by piece.

Small exchanges.

Measured.

Intentional.

The twins sat nearby, watching with mild disinterest.

“This is normal,” Persephone said.

“It is routine,” Hades added.

“Yes,” I replied.

Beckett shifted slightly beneath me.

Not to move away.

Just to settle more comfortably.

“…you should rest,” he murmured after a while.

I glanced at him.

“Are you instructing me?” I asked lightly.

He froze.

“…no.”

A pause.

“…suggesting.”

I considered this.

Then leaned slightly against him.

“Very well,” I said.

He relaxed instantly.

Perfectly Maintained

The groceries were stored.

The house quiet.

The world—once again—at a distance.

I reached for his scarf.

A soft tug.

He stilled.

“…Mistress.”

“Well done today,” I murmured.

He said nothing.

He didn’t need to.