Coffee Shop Encounters

Soft Cuddles

*slight trigger warning for anyone who may have issues with conversion camps or homophobia! it's only one line tho!*

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The next morning, Tyler sat hunched over his computer and drawing tablet. Dark purple bags covered his under eyes, but he still worked, even when the sun shone on his face and heard the birds chirp their songs. He sat there for the better part of the morning til his roommate knocked on the door, "Hey, Ty, you comin' out man?" Tyler chuckled to himself, "I already told you I'm gay, what more do you want from me?" He could almost hear Kai's eye roll on the other side of the door. "Dude, you know that's not what I meant." Tyler chuckled again, "I know, just messing with you." He got up and opened the door for Kai, then walked right back to his desk. "So what's up?"

"Actually, um..." Tyler looked over as Kai scratched the back of his head, "I was wondering if I could chill with you for a bit... Like... Y'know..." Tyler chuckled, then spread out his arms, which Kai immediately sunk into, crawling into his lap. Eventually, after a while of running his fingers through Kai's hair, he asked, "So what's going on Kai?" Kai shrugged, "My parents have been sending me homophobic messages again... Sending me links to conversion camps and stuff." The redhead turned his face, settling his chin into the crook between Tyler's neck and collarbone. "I just don't get why they need to bag on me like this, y'know?"

Tyler rubbed his back gently, in soft soothing circles. "Yeah, I get that. My parents were like that too at first. Hopefully your parents will come around, but-" He stopped himself, "Sorry, I know you wanted more comforting words." Kai shook his head into his shoulder, "No Ty, it's okay. If I wanted comforting words I would've gone to someone completely different." They both chuckled, and Tyler leaned his head on top of Kai's, then continued drawing with one hand while holding Kai with the other.

They stayed there like that, just holding each other. Enjoying each other's company. Tyler thought back to the first time Kai told him he thought he was bi, funnily enough, because he had begun to realize that Tyler was attractive to him. Kai had wanted to pursue a relationship, but they both decided they'd be better as just friends. So they've been best friends and roommates ever since. 

Tyler had even found himself deciding he might just love this boy in the most platonic way possible. He considered Kai his best, and quite honestly, his only friend. A platonic soulmate if you will. After a few moments of comfortable silence, Tyler finally spoke up, his voice carrying a hint of emotion, "You know, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here and I'll always listen. I know it doesn't seem like it, but I'm here for you and I love you, Kai. Everything will eventually be alright." Kai nodded, his own eyes beginning to water, but eventually, he managed to muster a smile, "I love you too, Ty." Tyler smiled back, squeezing his friend one last time before they both got up. They proceeded to get back to their tasks, but this time with a renewed sense of togetherness and understanding.

After a bit, Kai untangled himself from Tyler, mumbling a small thanks and giving him one last hug before leaving. Tyler watched him as he went, a small smile on his face. Then, he turned to his comic, which was about three-quarters done. He decided to shut it down, figuring he'd finish it in class or later. He got up, got dressed, then walked out into the kitchen. 

Kai was there, making breakfast with a soft smile on his face. He turned around to face Tyler and handed him a warm cup of coffee, "It's for you, Ty. I thought you'd need it before class." Tyler smiled, touched by the gesture, "Thanks, Kai. You're the best." Kai grinned, his cheeks tinting slightly pink, "No problem." Tyler gently pushed Kai out of the way, saying, "Here, let me cook instead." He pressed a gentle kiss to the boy's temple before letting him go. He finished the omelets easily and walked into the living room to hand Kai his plate.

"Thanks man!" Kai gave him a sweet smile and then grabbed his plate. Tyler watched him as he returned to the sofa, then grabbed his own and sat at the table to eat.

When he was done, he grabbed his and Kai's plates and cleaned them before he settled down next to Kai on the couch. Kai immediately took this as an opportunity to cuddle up into him under his arm. Tyler chuckled and wrapped said arm around him, running a hand through the boy's ginger hair. 

They stayed like that for a few minutes, watching a show and enjoying each other's company and birds chirping outside the window. Finally, Tyler glanced at the clock and sighed, his lips brushing Kai's forehead before he pulled away. "I need to head out soon." Kai nodded, reluctantly pulling away. Tyler pulled him back in, giving him one last hug, and then got up, smiling softly at Kai's cheeks that had gone pink.

When he got to the shop, Adam had already opened it and was getting the front set up. Tyler nodded to him, then immediately went to the back to get started on baking. He got to work on all kinds of cakes and pastries and breakfast foods, and eventually, some customers started pouring in. He moved to the front and started taking people's orders while Adam made them.

About an hour later, Liza finally showed up...late. Tyler rolled his eyes when she walked in. The girl walked in with a sort of stagger, which told Tyler what she'd been up to last night. She just about threw herself into leaning on the counter, yelling out, "Hiiiiii Tyty!!!" She got off the counter and hugged him, with way more force than needed, slightly knocking the wind out of him.

He gently but firmly peeled her off him, and replied, "Hello Elizabeth." She giggled, and slurred out, "O-M-G Tyty, I told you to call me Liza!!!" She stumbled into a stool and sat down, knocking over a stack of paper cups on the way. He sighed, then bent down to pick it up. She giggled again, then stumbled into the back- probably to bother Adam- and left Tyler to deal with the whole mess she left in her wake. 

Tyler shook his head and continued with his work, and soon enough the morning rush was done and he was back to baking. He worked quickly and methodically, letting his mind wander a bit as he worked. He thought about his time with Kai earlier, and the way the other had fit so perfectly into his arms. He smiled softly and let out a sigh, his hands working faster than before, almost as if his heart was guiding them. He felt a sense of peace and contentment fill him, and he knew that he wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Then... Someone walked in.

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Cliffhanger! Sorry about that hehe

Slightly longer chapter this time!! Yay!

Two people have read my story now, extremely exciting.

Anyways, thanks for reading, hope you enjoy :)

(picture found on Pinterest!!)

~luka