Days Go By | lavashipping

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Just like that, the hazed days filled with restless sunshine were drawn off to the bench and constantly grey sky with short but frequent periods of rain were put in their place. Autumn was testing the waters, which manifested itself in people scurrying indoors like spooked mice.

For Kai and Cole, and especially Cole, it meant an easy excuse to stay inside, in the warmth of their making. Huddled in more blankets and pillows than necessary; limbs intertwined so much so they could consider themselves one human-sized ball of yarn; steam dancing from their mugs only deepening the sense of sfumato taking over his life. Rain of kisses their only concern.

Oh, Autumn, bringer of the perfect weather for all Cole's favourite activities – sketching, reading, listening to music... Movie nights with Kai taking the throne right away. Difficult not to love the upcoming season, as gloomy as it tends to be.

It was another one of those days. The two gathered in the living room of Kai's flat, candles working as their only light source, not counting the screen of the laptop they were booting up to play movies on. Tonight was Kai's turn to make the choices. Also the popcorn.

Guessing from the buttery smell wafting from the kitchen, it was go time. Which meant cuddles, cuddles, and more cuddles. Maybe he would feel a tad ashamed from all the giddiness, however, the euphoria taking over him the past few days was quick to distract him. Maybe he should get used to Kai having this effect on him; to the flutters of his heart each and every time they got anywhere close to each other.

"See? Not a single burnt. I'm just too good at this," Kai proclaimed, placing the bowl on the coffee table as if it was a crown jewel. Cole had a hard time not completely disregarding their plans for the night at once when he turned to him with a smile, cheeks just the slightest bit flushed, hair already dry and soft after a shower. They were wearing flannel pyjama bottoms and an oversized crewneck that was way too familiar and, Cole was sure, didn't come from their own wardrobe.

Just the sight made the cosy atmosphere tenfold better.

"You ever considered a career in the cinema food court industry?"

"They kept fighting for me, so I decided not to." After setting up a movie to watch, Kai leaned over to put a blanket over both of them. "I know you have a sweet spot for romcoms, so I decided to be nice to you today and picked a classic." Raising an eyebrow, because of course it was a bribe, he added, "I hope this means we're watching Die Hard next."

Magic tricks with gold coins took place on the screen and just as Kai leaned over for the bowl of popcorn, they sneezed. The bowl with snacks within survived without spilling anything over but it was a sight that caused momentary panic to flare up in both their eyes.

Cole watched Kai blink the sneeze off. Everything just seemed to click so perfectly.

"I love you."

Kai gifted him another raised eyebrow, then pointed to the bowl which remained on its spot on the table. "Sorry, do you want me to cough into it too? Didn't take you for this kinda guy," he queried, making Cole lose control over his own facial muscles. As always.