Days Go By | lavashipping

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He was painfully aware of how quickly he reverted back to his old ways. Of course, he could blame it on the amount of new work that needed to be assessed but deep down he knew he was overdoing it by choice. He can't just be productive, no, he has to be the best at being productive.

Which meant excessive time spent at his office to the point he came back home just to sleep and take a shower before drowning himself in work all over again.

Despite that, he still couldn't wait to order his coffee in the morning and to open up his messages during lunch breaks. Other than that unfortunately, Kai and him didn't get to meet up very often, even though Kai was becoming less occupied with the upcoming end of summer.

Cole wanted to make it up for him, hence the decision to walk each evening home by foot in order to find the perfect restaurant that also supported delivery. For the first time in his life, Cole considered signing up for a cooking class, just to give Kai what he actually deserved, make the gesture even more meaningful.

It wasn't the fastest way to get to his place but it was at least relaxing. Even when keeping in mind the city rush. Walking and looking around felt almost therapeutic in contrast to mindlessly staring out the window in a bus.

When Cole unlocked the door to his flat, he didn't expect there to be light. Or the smell of something delicious to hug him as a welcome.

That was not fair, he was supposed to be the perfect, dreamy man for once!

"Hey, Cole!" He followed Kai's voice into the kitchen. There was a plate with pizza on the table, the mozzarella still glistening deliciously. Kai was sporting short clothes but still, there was some sweat visible on their forehead. Must've pulled the pizza out moments before Cole entered.

"Hi. I didn't expect you here," Cole said, as he went for a kiss.

"Yeah, that's sorta how surprises work, honey," Kai replied, giving him it.

"Did you make that whole pizza yourself?"

"Pfft, nah, it's a shop-bought one. But that's not the whole thing." Taking Cole's hand, Kai led him out of the kitchen.

"It's not?" Cole asked, wondering what in the world has he done to deserve the ticket to heaven.

"Nope."

Opening the door to his bathroom, Kai revealed an entrance to an alternate dimension, probably. Somehow they managed to make it homely, with candles and nice aroma swirling around. The bathtub was full, guessing from the bubbles glistening in the dark.

There was so much on his mind yet he stayed silent. Kai had no problem filling that void.

"I know how much you love to slouch when working, so I put together a little something-something. Just had a burst of inspiration, I guess. Do you like it?"

"I have no idea what to say, this is the best thing to come home to."

Beside him, Kai chuckled. "All right, get undressing, I'll go get the other stuff. I got some strawberry juice in the fridge, just felt like it."

The water was not boiling but hot enough and it took great care of his muscles. He wasn't the one deserving to be pampered like a royal but god, did it feel good. The last time he had a bubble bath was probably when he was a little boy. At least if his tears become visible in the dark he could blame it on the soap.

He should sign up for a cooking class first thing the next morning, some takeout was not going to cut it. He needed to shower Kai in gold and stars and feed him pure ambrosia if he ever wanted to at least somewhat convey what they made him feel.

"Should I get some music?"

"You're all I need." No way he could blame his mouth for thinking faster than him. Kai's smile flashed in the candlelight.

"You're gonna make me swoon and that would be a terrible end to the pizza."

Watching Kai simply settle beside the bathtub on a chair was a bump in the perfect turn Cole's evening took.

"You're not going to join me?" He had a hard time believing the stars aligned so perfectly that it was just him and Kai together. Just them, nestled in a tiny cranny in the endless universe.

"I had different plans for tonight but I'm open for a next time." Kai winked at him. Kissing them was irresistible, so Cole didn't resist.

Said plans? Kai had the brilliant idea to give Cole a massage for his shoulders. Somehow the pit kept getting new and new bottoms to hit. Cole was left with the duty to feed his partner pizza. Genuinely, did he save a saint's life? How on earth was he allowed to live in this moment?

With his stomach and taste buds more than satisfied, he enjoyed Kai's retelling of his day with closed eyes. This, this right there was a testimony why being alive was the best thing to happen to him. Kai's fingers tending to his muscles with strength and gentleness, his lips wandering over Cole's neck to his own mouth. He needed nothing more.

"I think I'm in love with you," his independent voice proclaimed.

Even just Kai's breathing was better than anything to be ever played on the radio.