Days Go By | lavashipping

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[thoughts on the cover? at first, i wanted to put more detail but i could not get the motivation (hate, hate, hate digital art) plus i think it doesnt look that bad, its not overly busy... let me know!]

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Cole definitely did not almost jump out of his own skin when he heard the door unlock. Not that he was doing anything nefarious; he was just placing down a little, potted sunflower.

The surprised look on Kai's face was priceless but Cole felt underprepared.

"Cole? What are you doing here?" Using Kai's perplexity to his advantage, Cole was by their side in a flash, closing the door, leading Kai inside... All the while Kai could only watch as he gravitated around him; helped him with his things.

"I thought we were supposed to meet at your place? In the evening?"

"Yeah..." Cole sighed, shying away from Kai's eyes. "That was a lie, sorry. I wanted to surprise you."

"Surprise me? Wh— Ah!" Whatever Kai was going to ask got lost in his cry as Cole scooped him up into his arms, bridal style. "What-are-you-doing?"

Taking a second to readjust Kai in his arms (not that it helped the weight much), Cole huffed. "You keep bending over backwards to do everything under the sun for me, so it was about time I returned the favour."

"But–"

"Ah, ah, ah. No complaints, just commands. I'm fully at your service and ready to do whatever your heart desires." Cole tried to fix his grip again. "Like maybe some rocks for dinner too? Seriously, how are you so heavy?"

"What? Can't handle me?" Kai tossed his head and Cole was glad to hear him joke around. As much as he wanted to wipe that smirk off their face. "Did you come here just to insult me? I'm flattered."

"Only if you ask for it."

"What's with the sunflower?"

"I found a cute flower shop on the way and just had to get it for you. Um... Unfortunately that's why I didn't have much of a headstart before you got here..." He avoided Kai's raised eyebrow as he carried him through the house to the bedroom. There – partly in a teasing manner, partly because his arms had enough – Cole dropped Kai on his bed.

He could also let out the deep breath he kept holding in, thanks to the noise, and Kai would not get the chance to tease him for it.

"I always appreciated your gentleness," Kai muttered, trying to settle amongst the pillows.

"There's a reason my last name is not Smoothstone."

"... You're so weird today."

"And you look a little pale." Plopping down on the bed, Cole reached for Kai's face but they moved away from the contact. "Are you okay?"

"I know I'm flawless but you can't expect me to look my best when you just threw me on a bed." It took a while of silent eye contact for Kai to sigh. "It's nothing, I feel great."

"All right." Cole snapped into his role and stood upright. "So, what can I do for you? Perhaps a bath after a long shift? I could wash your hair. Or any special dinner wishes? I can carry you anywhere you want if that's your wish."

Shaking his head, Kai chuckled. "Seriously, man, what are you doing?"

"As I said, I just want to repay you for being so kind. Stop looking at me like I'm doing something criminal."

"You don't have to do this."

"I want to. It's either this or carnage in the kitchen, so I'm choosing the peaceful way."

It took another while of silent debate just with their eyes until Kai broke into a smile.

"Fine, if that's what you want... Can we just have some sandwiches and relax? Bath sounds nice too, I am kinda tired."

"Your wish is my command!"

"I've got some great ham in the fridge but that's about it... You'll have to get some bread at least."

Ready to spring into action, Cole freezed in his spot. "Seriously, you have ham but no bread?" His answer was a simple shrug. "I'll be back before you can say my order."

The second time he was stopped in his tracks was when Kai yelled, "Wait!" and caught his hand.

"What?" Before he could process anything, Kai pulled him towards himself and kissed him like never before. To the point Cole was dangerously close to forgetting his self-assigned duties. He did have to blink a few times then to come back to Earth.

He fumbled with his phone as he also fumbled with his words. "So, I'll be one— back in a flash, but how about you watch this meanwhile."

"Cat videos. Cute. How'd you pull that up so fast?"

"Actually, they're home cat videos. Anyway, I'll be back, don't go anywhere."

"Not even the bathroom?"

A momentary scowl crossed his face. "Just... You know."

"Sure." Kai urged him forward. "The bread won't wait."

He was still learning to tear his eyes away when he needed to. Maybe it was pointless to overthink a few bad, weird days. Maybe he was the one stuck a little too far inside his own head. Hopefully that was the correct case.