Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Gaipa is so beautiful dressed in moonlight, nothing but moonlight. Alan has a new favorite color.

“Do you think this is too fast?” Gaipa whispers, curling close, nose nudging under his bicep, looking to get closer. “What if we’re doing it wrong?”

Alan doesn’t say that if he’d done it his way that they’d have done this a long time ago, he doesn’t say that he’s thought about this with Gaipa before he even fully realized he had feelings for him. He doesn’t really know what to say, just that, “Nothing about you feels wrong to me.” And it’s the truth.

He plays with Gaipa’s hair and feels his pretty smile grow into his skin. Alan wants to kiss it but that would make him stop smiling. It’s a real problem; good thing Alan’s a solver. He hopes he has problems like these for a long time. He wants all of them.

“How was it?” Gaipa asks next.

Alan smiles, “Beyond.” Alan didn’t know sex could be so comforting, but it makes him excited to try it again, and again, and maybe, again?

Gaipa, as if he can read thoughts, flushes and bites his smile into submission. He fails. Alan helps him kiss it off. He’s a solver.

“I want to date you.” Alan tells Gaipa between their next kiss.

Gaipa is busy trying to crawl into Alan’s skin but he pauses, just long enough to respond. “I’d like that.”

Alan smiles, pressing another kiss to his lips, “I heard there’s an art exhibit by the telephone company,” Alan feels Gaipa’s smile against his mouth, “y’know the one near the mall.” He whispers.

Gaipa giggles, “Really, I don’t think I’ve ever been.”

“Really?” Alan blinks, acting dumb, “You’ve never gone? Then you should take your Ma, I think she’d like it.”

“Oh, oh” Gaipa coos, grabbing Alan’s face, “No don’t worry, she’s already been. I’d like to go with my new boyfriend though, I think it’d be a great excuse to finally see him in paisley. Don’t you think?”

“Oooi,” Alan’s grin turns unabashed. “Mm,” he nods, “alright.” He agrees. Gaipa could not look more pleased.

He wears that paisley suit and tie.

The art exhibit is beautiful, not Alan’s interest but he can see what grabs Gaipa’s attention. He’s more fixated on the odd expressions his face makes when he sees another modern art sculpture of an atom in a white room. It really entertains him.

“I don’t get it, so much space and they chose to put a broken chair and nothing else? Who decides that that chair is the only art worthy of being a center piece? It’s a large room too so—“

“Mm.” Alan hums, so content with just listening to Gaipa speak under a grapevine awning. This restaurant really was a good choice. It paints his face so pretty.

Gaipa’s hand twitches as he gets more passionate, but not once does it release from Alan’s hold. Actually, when Alan had gone to let go to grab his water Gaipa had shot him the nastiest look and tightened. Alan decides water isn’t worth it. That’s what straws are for.

“You’re staring.” Gaipa picks at a strand of fabric on the table cloth.

“I am,” Alan nods, something lazy, “do you mind?”

Gaipa looks at him out of the corner of his eye, “Not really.” He grabs for his straw.

Alan smiles. This is nice.

The light above Gaipa dresses him in gold and silver. The light breeze tucks under Alan’s paisley, keeping him cool. That very wind plays with Gaipa’s hair, bringing that attractive face out for Alan to admire. Unabashedly he does, admire, stare. Alan has a staring problem when he’s around Gaipa, he can’t help it. The man is beautiful, the man is lively, the man is more interesting than the art in the very museum he introduced him to. 

Alan is infatuated, beyond. Alan looks at Gaipa and feels so heavily these feelings of bliss and excitement and yet, a calm content washes over him knowing he knows Gaipa. Alan feels content, the kind of content that comes from predictability. A safe space. Gaipa is that safe space that tells Alan he has someone looking out for him, someone to talk to. Gaipa is proof Alan is no longer lonely.

It’s different from the feeling Alan gets around Mrs. Hong. Mrs. Hong is the definition of life to a party, you can’t be lonely around Mrs. Hong. Gaipa is, different. Gaipa is receptive, Gaipa is bright and the radio in life that Alan favors. Gaipa is Alan’s favorite song. Gaipa is green lights on every stop and a long red at the end of a scenic route. Gaipa is the anticipation of seeing a man with excitement on the stairs every morning. 

Gaipa is the man Alan is in love with, that’s all. That’s why it’s different. 

He just doesn’t know how to tell him that. It’s too soon, he knows that much, but it’s true. Alan is in love with Gaipa from room 100 and it blows his mind to think he’s on a date with him right now. Alan catches Gaipa’s little glances here and there, moments where he looks and stares and the history of a smile charming the light on his face is proof that Gaipa is at least attracted to him. If Alan’s lucky, Gaipa likes him. 

It blows his mind. 

Alan doesn’t know how to say that though, so he doesn’t. Alan doesn’t choose to do much about it, his love, but it lets itself be known throughout his time with Gaipa. It’s in the way he hides the bill from him, in the way he tucks the leaf out of his hair and pockets it, in the way he opens Gaipa’s door and places his hand on his seat as he backs out of his parking spot; no reason for it really, he just, needs an excuse to be close to Gaipa. 

Alan walks Gaipa home. Alan listens to Gaipa talk about Montow on the stairwell steps and slowly observes how the conversation changes to his mother. Alan is amazed every time. They’re outside of Gaipa’s house before Alan’s even finished listening to his story. Alan doesn’t mind standing there as Gaipa finishes, Gaipa doesn’t seem to mind either. 

The smile stuck on Gaipa’s face is mesmerizing. Gaipa’s gone quiet, just a bit, his story is finished, and this is where Alan wonders if he should kiss him. Should he invite him back to his place instead? Alan has work in the morning, but, he wants to. 

Gaipa blinks then giggles, “You’re thinking face is so obvious.” And then he stands on his toes and steals Alan’s mouth himself.

Alan doesn’t care about his obvious face, not when it leads to a kiss like this. Gaipa’s lips pull Alan’s voice to his tongue. Alan’s hand searches Gaipa’s body for stability and purchase and Gaipa holds him in return. He grabs that hand and holds his chest and Gaipa is so warm. 

Gaipa pulls away, a dazed face that looks thoroughly satisfied. Beautiful. Gaipa is smiling. He is so beautiful. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Gaipa whispers, stealing a second long kiss. Then he turns to his door, “Thank you for walking me home.”

”Thank you for going on a date with me.” Alan says. 

Gaipa giggles. “I’ll go on another, ask me about Thursday.”

”Are you free Thursday?” 

Gaipa bites his lip, smile begging to break loose, he nods. “Mhm.” And then he disappears behind that door. 

Alan stands there, a bit dazed. He stands and listens and for the first time, at the sound of Gaipa’s song, he smiles . Honey, I’m home . 

Alan goes to bed easily that night. Easy enough with the memory of Gaipa sleeping next to him but an absence of the man. Alan is content for now, he’ll drag him in later; moth to flame. Alan won’t control Gaipa, he tells himself. But, he’ll see him tomorrow. He falls asleep with a smile. 

That feeling of satin, hot and sweaty, soft and bruising, it sticks to him. His lashes unpeel, stuck. The sight of nothing but a pillow and a tossed over sheet, it sticks with him. This feeling, hot and soft, reminds him of that night.

That night, carved into his present thought, is a night acknowledged as Alan’s second meeting with Gaipa. That meeting was unlike the first, an introduction to his person, this was an introduction to his spirit. Gaipa’s spirit is hot and soft, gentle and sweaty. It’s the spirit of summer. Gaipa is so, satin. Alan doesn’t know what that means, just that he misses him. He misses the feeling of his skin that lasted that night.

To do it again, and again, and maybe again; Alan thinks of it. He dreamt of it he’s sure. But Alan doesn’t usually dream like that. Alan doesn’t usually yearn like this. For essence, Alan doesn’t yearn for essence. Alan yearns for person and place and activity but this is, spirit .

The spirit of Gaipa is summer and bruising and Alan feels along his shoulder for Gaipa’s kiss, proof left to remind him. Proof, Gaipa is walking proof that Alan is no longer lonely. Alan yearns for that spirit, to charge him for today, maybe. That must be why he yearns. He’s never felt so charged before. Alan misses it. He misses the spirit and touch of Gaipa. It leaves him aching.

Alan throws his legs into that empty space, crawling to a stand on the opposite side of the bed. He takes in the sun Gaipa must’ve seen. He takes in the feeling of touch on the carpet that Gaipa must’ve had. This experience, to experience what Gaipa did—Alan yearns. Did he like it? Maybe that’s what he wants to know.

Did Gaipa like it like Alan did?  

Alan makes for the bathroom. He turns the knob of the shower, listening to the sound of heat spur, it sucks up the cold space and tile. Alan’s feet warm as they cross to the sink. His bangs fall at an angle. Alan undresses in front of the mirror; he wants to see it, the proof.

He is not lonely, not like this. He touches the kiss of Gaipa, one on his shoulder, another across his stomach. Gaipa is everywhere Alan turns. Gaipa must’ve liked it then, Alan thinks. This is, a mark, left meant to last. This is territory, Alan thinks Gaipa must be a bit possessive. How beautiful. Alan hopes Gaipa is the same as him. How beautiful.

Alan thinks about those kisses in the shower. His small shower experienced it all. The aftermath of explorative discovery, an introduction.

The shower was nice, Alan thinks it was his favorite scene. Gaipa kissed him between soap and touch and Alan thinks Gaipa’s hands clean him better than his own. Gaipa seems to touch Alan better than Alan can. Alan feels known when Gaipa pets his shoulder, when he holds his chest, when he rubs behind his ear because he wants a kiss that he can lean into. Alan does, he kneels and holds Gaipa so he can lean close and closer.

Kissing Gaipa is Alan’s favorite scene. It is Alan’s favorite song, the sound . The shower delivers the sound so beautifully, acoustic. It is Alan’s favorite song. It tells him the memory of Gaipa’s taste . God . He misses his kiss. He tastes like sunshine. Alan misses him.

Alan finishes quickly. He doesn’t feel as clean but, it’s enough. He dresses without staring too much. He knots his tie and redoes it, he knots it again—third time’s a charm. Alan grabs his socks on the way through his bedroom, pointedly looking away from what could only trigger another memory of spirit. Alan misses him.

Alan cooks breakfast. It leaves him to wondering. What is Gaipa’s favorite food? How does he like his congee? Chicken or beef? How many bits of skewered pork—Alan shuts off the flame. He won’t burn his food today.

Alan sits at his lonely table, thinking of how lonely he isn’t. In person he is not lonely, in spirit? His essence feels dragged by loneliness.

He misses him.

How much lonely can he get? He has a boyfriend. Alan has a boyfriend . Alan misses his boyfriend. It’s only been a day, a night, a morning. But Alan wants to share these moments with him. How cruel. He can not force Gaipa into his activity. He still wishes, hopes, yearns, that Gaipa might like to; that Gaipa might wish to be in Alan’s space too. How beautiful that thought.

Alan heads to work. It is a shame that Gaipa does not appear. Alan does not expect Gaipa every morning, Alan missed his run after all, but he is saddened. It’d have been nice. Alan heads to work.

He clocks in through the receptionist then heads to his office. It’s dusty so Alan cleans. His first client is on time so he introduces their bill of exchange and wraps up their purchase. His next client reschedules. Alan has time to check his dues.

Alan doesn’t run into Mrs. Hong this day, but he checks his work calendar and sees Mrs. Hong scheduled online for Thursday morning. Alan shakes his head. She works quick.

The day goes by relatively easy.

He returns to his car, hits every red light and then finds green at the end of the road. He parks and turns off the AC as his favorite song comes on. He listens to it a bit, then at the chorus, he shuts off the engine.

Alan follows up those steps. He misses Gaipa, he yearns for him in a way that is difficult. He knows what Gaipa tastes like, he misses that. Alan finds it hard missing someone when you know what it is you miss; he’s particular. Alan wants to kiss him again.

Loud, hurried, feet come bounding down. Alan looks up, a bit concerned and then, his smile arrives. Gaipa.

Gaipa looks beautiful, sunshine lips grinning so wide those teeth wink at him.

“And where are you off to?” Alan has to ask that beautiful man.

“Hm,” Gaipa tilts his head , “I came to pick up something.” He says.

“Hm?” Alan tilts his head, “A package?” He asks.

Gaipa grins, “You could say that.”

He comes down those steps in a flurry, flinging himself down the landing. Alan drops his briefcase to catch him. Wide eyes turn to look up at him between his arms, fast beating chest beating against fast beating chest.

Alan smiles, “Hello.”

Gaipa smiles back, “Hi.” Then something changes in his expression, “Want to come meet my cat?” He’s devious. Alan desires him all the same.

“I’d love to.” Alan has missed him so desperately.

Meeting Gaipa again, for the 3rd time, it’s a feeling Alan can’t describe, so he just lets himself feel it. Alan turns into Gaipa’s touch and lets him kiss him, eager and excited. Gaipa must’ve missed him too. Alan has missed him so much. Alan can’t even explain.

They live next door to each other but it feels too far. Alan wonders if Gaipa waited all day for him to come home, it reminds him of a cat and Alan worries. He doesn’t want to wear him down by waiting so long. But Gaipa, Gaipa doesn’t look worn. Gaipa just looks excited. Gaipa must’ve seen his mom today. Alan is glad.

Alan is introduced to Gaipa’s bed. This is a first Alan didn’t expect to have so quickly but he doesn’t mind. He’s seen apartment 100 before, now he’s seeing Gaipa’s room. It’s orange and illuminated by cat hair and t-shirts. Alan wants to clean it, organize the spirit of Gaipa in this room and maybe leave a tie on his dresser. It’s a horrible thought to have but with Gaipa smiling at him like this, Alan doesn’t think a horrible thought exists in his presence.

This is bad, Gaipa can not be Alan’s excuse. But Alan thinks Gaipa’s like of him is all he needs. Alan can not be cruel, Gaipa likes him. Gaipa wouldn’t like cruelty, surely, Alan can not be a bad thing. Not with how Gaipa likes him, not like this.

Gaipa kisses him so sweetly, so eager and excited, like he’s missed him. Alan swallows his smile, too happy to regret. He’s missed him. The taste of sunshine is so much better then breakfast.

No, Alan can not be cruelty. Gaipa smiles at him. And that is no excuse.

Alan can admit when an addiction in his life arises. At one point Alan could’ve been classified an alcoholic but this is nothing like that. Alan could be called a workaholic but he’s not addicted to the sense of stability and routine in an office quite the way he is to this.

Alan’s only tasted Gaipa once like this, in a bed, but he’s addicted, he knows he is. There’s a sense of intimacy with Gaipa that makes sex appealing. It feels like love. It feels like pleasure and prediction and sometimes, it’s odd. Gaipa makes sex so appealing. Alan can’t get enough.

It’s all he can think about while he lies here, awake, staring at Gaipa, asleep. He is beautiful and divine and young in a way Alan does not envy. A young Alan was impulsive and fearful, the older Alan is not too much better but at least he has money and with money comes security. Alan has a room and he can afford a paisley suit for a paisley tie. Alan can afford to take Gaipa on a date and pay the bill without checking with his bank first.

Alan does not envy the youth he had, but there’s a youth Gaipa wears that Alan is mesmerized by. Alan’s never been so attracted to youth, not quite like this. It must just be Gaipa. Alan thinks he’d like Gaipa just as much old as he does young. He is like the sun, radiant, an everlasting amount.

Alan is in love. Alan is so in love. Alan does not fall in love very often but he can admit that when it comes, he can not find his way out of it. There is no choice but to surrender. He surrenders. Alan surrenders to Gaipa. Alan does not mind submitting, as long as it’s Gaipa he submits too. One could even call Alan submissive, as long as that one is Gaipa.

How odd. Alan is so, so odd around Gaipa. Alan still wouldn’t change a thing. He’s in love with this oddity too.

He’s in love with this oddity too.

“You’re staring.” A grumbled morning voice rumbles against Alan’s chest. “Not that I mind,” says Gaipa, a man who has yet to peel open his lashes, “It’s just a particular quirk of yours.”

He looks happy to be waking up with his arms around Alan. Alan feels happy to see that smile.

“I was going to slip out and make you breakfast while you were sleeping.” Alan tells him.

Gaipa hums, “I would’ve been sad to see an empty pillow.”

Alan smiles, “I’m glad I didn’t then.”

Gaipa unsticks those lashes, bleary eyes looking up, “What kept you?”

“You,” Alan tells those eyes, “I was busy.” He thinks they’d understand with the way they stare so hard at him. They flit across his face as if taking him in for the first time. It leaves him tingly.

“Busy?” Gaipa’s smiling like he knows the answer already. He asks anyway, “Doing what?”

“Admiring you.” Alan admits, no reason to hide this feeling he feels. He’s sure Gaipa can see it on his face.

“Ooooh,” Gaipa’s teeth threaten to bite his smile, Alan hopes he won’t. He loves that smile. He wants to bite it for him.

“Would you like to join me?” Alan asks.

Gaipa’s cheeks widen, “Mhm,” he says with a nod. Those teeth threaten him, Alan has to kiss him now. Gaipa doesn’t seem to mind.

They find themselves in the kitchen just in time for the sun to greet them. Alan makes something warm, congee and beef and cheese. Gaipa likes beef. Alan knew he liked him for a reason. He tells him so and smiles at the giggle from Gaipa’s chest. He’s so beautiful, especially in Alan’s old favorite color.

Alan is introduced to Gaipa’s couch and coffee table, Gaipa’s version of Alan’s little table. Alan sees a perfectly good spot for a small dining room table but, he looks away, apartment 100 is not apartment 101. The couch suits them just fine. Alan likes the way Gaipa fits his feet across his legs. It’s odd.

Montow joins them. He opens his mouth as he comes close up on Alan’s side, nose twitching. Alan knows he can’t feed the cat but his lip pulls at the sight of Montow trying to breathe in the food through scent alone. He’s odd too.

“You and your cat are just alike.” Alan tells Gaipa.

Gaipa looks over, cheek full with a bite, “You think so?”

Alan smiles, “I know so now, you’re both food fanatics.”

Gaipa smiles, swallows his cheek and goes for Alan’s plate. Alan only half tries to keep it away from him, he gives up pretty quickly though. Gaipa is satisfied, cheeks full. Alan hopes he can feed him forever, it’d be nice.

Alan stands once his plate is suddenly, mysteriously empty. Gaipa’s still finishing his but it only takes one more “Gaipa bite” and it’s gone. Alan takes his plate as well, as he heads over to the sink.

He fills one side with hot water, the other he organizes the dishes. There’s less dishes than the last time he was over he recognizes. He wonders if that’s his effect or simply because Gaipa’s forgotten to move some dishes into the sink. Alan wonders if he’ll get to go find some around the apartment. It’d be fun. Alan grabs the dish soap.

“You know you don’t have to clean every time you come over.” Gaipa’s hand slides across Alan’s back, traveling the plain between his shoulder and spine. It tingles.

“I do know,” Alan nods, unbuttoning his sleeves to roll up his arms, he may not be wearing pants but he is always wearing his button down, “I also just like to do it.” He tells Gaipa, “I like having things to do.”

Gaipa hums, hooking his chin on Alan’s shoulder. Alan feels his grin before he hears it, “You could always do me.”

Alan has nothing to say to that except, he turns the sink off. The dishes can wait. How odd it is to break a routine when Gaipa is involved. How nice it is to be odd sometimes.

It’s been a week now and Alan can openly admit when he misses Gaipa’s dirty dishes now. Sometimes, walking past room 100, he’ll get the urge to knock on that door and let himself in, even if Gaipa’s out, he just wants to do his dishes. But it feels invasive and Alan is insecure about how far Gaipa will put up with him, so he doesn’t.

Alan continues to room 101 and readies for bed and work and runs in the morning like he always does. This time when he meets Gaipa on his run, he’s not just meeting his neighbor, but his boyfriend. Gaipa likes to hug him even when he’s full of sweat, prefers it even. Gaipa likes to wipe the back of Alan’s neck and kiss him just to lick up the moisture on his top lip. It’s so odd, Alan can’t get enough.

“Good morning Room 101.” Gaipa smiles.

Alan blinks, a bit lost in what’s just happened, “Good morning.” He wants another kiss.

Gaipa giggles, he must be able to tell. Gaipa watches him though with a smile, then he nods and returns back to his own space. They continue to run. Alan can’t get it out of his head.

All the way up those stairs Alan thinks of Gaipa’s kisses and honestly at this point he should know how to ask for them himself. But he doesn’t . Alan’s insecure. What if Gaipa doesn’t like neediness. What if Gaipa doesn’t like kisses.

Alan knows Gaipa must be able to see the thinking on his face, maybe he even knows what he’s thinking of, but he doesn’t interrupt him. It stays like that all way up to room 101.

“Have a good day at work!” Gaipa says, then disappears into his apartment and Alan is still thinking about his kiss.

He enters his own apartment and worries the pros and cons of embarrassment over acceptance. He could reject him, sure, and Alan would have to be okay with that. Making Gaipa uncomfortable is worse then being rejected. Suddenly that defeats the point of asking, to expect rejection. But, he could accept. There’s incentive.

Alan sighs. A dilemma. He finally has something to solve.

Alan figures it out in the car at a red light on the second turn to the bank. If he communicates his desire using clues, then Gaipa would not only have the option to observe and ignore it without full faced rejection—plausible deniability—but he would also have something to observe. Gaipa is an observer, he likes having something fun to look out for. This would hold his interest too, like a game. Gaipa likes games. It could work. Alan could use this to escape insecurity and the dilemma of rejection.

Avoidance, this isn’t a solution, not really. But, he reasons, it’s worth a shot.

He tries it out on his way home; just up those stairs and down the corridor, Gaipa’s coming home.

“Oh!” Gaipa notices him, “Alan!” He smiles widely.

Alan smiles back, he can’t help it, “Hi.”

Gaipa slows his steps to match Alan’s, “How was work?” He asks, wide eyes keeping hold of him.

Alan nods, “Good.” He holds those eyes back.

Gaipa stares, a bit intense, or maybe it’s always been this way. Alan tends to look away, but he doesn’t plan for that today. Gaipa smiles, “Good.” He says, something a little quieter. He looks away first.

Alan blinks. Gaipa’s face is a bit coquette, or maybe sheepish is a better word for it. Alan’s never seen him like this before. How cute. His smile grows.

He won’t be able to test his solution on Gaipa like this, he recognizes. But he doesn’t mind too much, he feels like he’s won something in the end anyway.

And he has, at the door to Gaipa’s apartment Gaipa looks up at him and it’s that stare that Alan recognizes. “Want to come inside?”

Alan swallows his insecurity, “Yes.” And then he swallows Gaipa’s tongue.

Passion travels like a chase through the small apartment. Alan suddenly finds themselves inside, in that room, in front of that bed. Gaipa giggles between bed sheets and Alan can’t help but follow him in. Moth to flame, Alan is choked by the emotion he births at the sight of him.

“Hello Honey.” Gaipa calls and Alan is gone. Alan desires him beyond.

“Hi.” Alan breathes.

Gaipa giggles at the sound of him. Alan smiles at the sight of him.

Alan had thought that he’d discovered all oddities of Gaipa from room 100. Nothing could be more odd then him suddenly becoming his boyfriend after all. But Alan, as he’s beginning to realize is common, was wrong.

It takes a week into dating Gaipa for Alan to meets his mom.

Alan has resolved with himself that he will make Gaipa breakfast and before he wakes up he’ll shuffle back into bed. Gaipa won’t even realize he’s gone, no hurt no foul. He’s nearly made it to the kitchen, part one success achieved, when his efforts are halted by a knock on the door.

Alan looks up. Who would be here at—he checks his watch, rolling up that sleeve of his—7 in the morning? The door receives another knock, this time heavier, and then that knob turns and Alan goes still. He stands there in nothing but his boxers and button down and suddenly comes face to face with—

“You.” She stares, hand still left on the door handle, “You!” She grins, door falling shut behind her loudly, “You’re the neighbor!” She shouts, just loud enough to wake everyone down the hall.

Alan gapes, “Mrs. Hong.”

Sure enough, that has Gaipa crawling out of his bedroom. He rubs at his face, first contact being Alan’s eyes. Gaipa smiles, sleepily coming over to hold onto his shoulder when he turns and, “Ma?” He blinks.

“Hi Gaipa honey!” Mrs. Hong grins, she looks beyond excited.

Alan thinks he’s swallowed his tongue. This, makes too much sense, oh god.

Gaipa’s head falls onto Alan’s shoulder, “What’re you doin’ here Ma?” He asks, rough accent slipping in a way Alan adores.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were dating my son!” Mrs. Hong cries, suddenly turning to Alan. Alan wants to sink into the floor. How was he supposed to know?

Gaipa looks up, then at his mom, “You too know each other?”

Mrs. Hong is an unstoppable force of excitement, “Oh my days this entire time!” She laughs, “I knew my son had good taste,” she clears her throat, walking over like she’s polite then sticks her hand out, “Hello Khun Alan.” She greets.

Alan takes it just to amuse her, “Mrs. Hong.” He nods.

Gaipa scrubs at his face again, “Please explain.”

Mrs. Hong bounces back, “Oh, Oh!” She exclaims, “Yes, Come on we’re going out for breakfast right this instant, my treat! We can talk all about it!” She’s already grabbing her purse. Alan’s gonna need some pants. He looks over at Gaipa, him too.

“Give us ten minutes and we’ll meet you back out here, Mrs. Hong.”

“Gosh! Call me mom now! Yes yes, I can wait. Where’s my Montow?”

Alan takes her distraction as a moment of escape. He takes Gaipa with him as he goes, shutting the bedroom door behind him. Gaipa’s busy looking up at him with that endearing face of his.

“I’m confused.” He says.

Alan nods, “Me too.”

Gaipa blinks. “I’m sure I’m more confused than you.”

Alan hums, “Your mom is my client.”

Gaipa looks at him, quiet for a moment, then, “How long?”

Alan thinks, “Probably as long as we’ve known each other?”

Gaipa blinks, “Huh.” Then his eyes widen, “You’re a loan officer aren’t you.”

Alan nods, “I am.”

“Oh my god,” Gaipa’s hand finds his face, “You’re the man my mom tried setting me up with.”

Alan nods, hand finding Gaipa’s neck, brushing into his hair.

“That’s so weird, we’re gonna talk about this later and why that’s suddenly really hot to me.” Gaipa says and Alan has to blink to come back to the conversation but Gaipa’s already moving on. He goes around his room looking for clothes acceptable for breakfast with his mom and Alan, like moth to flame, follows his lead.

Somehow Alan ends up in Gaipa’s shirt, and he only recognizes it’s Gaipa’s because Gaipa’s busy wearing Alan’s and, it does not escape Mrs. Hong’s notice. Her grin is so familiar. Really, Alan should’ve known.

“So,” Mrs. Hong grins, red lips poking at her straw, “Tell me everything. ”

Alan leans back in the booth seat, taking in the sound of busters waiting on tables, clearing away for the transition from breakfast to lunch. They’ve already been here an hour, busy explaining the origin story of how Mrs. Hong and Alan came to meet. Gaipa had many questions. There was a lot of groaning too at the sound of the intense dating regimen and bribery Mrs. Hong went through.

“Hey don’t groan at me,” Mrs. Hong pouts, “I did it for you kid!”

“Clearly your method didn’t work out.” Gaipa stares, flat.

Mrs. Hong grins, “But yours did, how’d you do it?”

Alan gets to see how Gaipa talks with his mom like this, sitting and watching the two go at it like little kids. He has to admit, he is thoroughly enchanted. Gaipa does not leave out a single detail once he gets going.

But half way through Alan notices something, “Wait,” Alan shakes his head, “all that time you—you were chasing me?” The park and the stairs and the mailbox. The hospital .

“What?” Gaipa blinks, “I liked you.” He says, like he’s innocent.

Alan shakes his head. That’s hotter than it should be. It’s odd. It’s also reassuring. Gaipa likes him too, Gaipa chased him. Gaipa liked him so much that he put himself in Alan’s life outside of his peripheral vision, just often enough for Alan to act like he did something by interacting with him. It’s, smart. And Gaipa doesn’t seem to find it so strange.

Alan wonders if he did this with his ex crush. Did that man interact with Gaipa like Alan did? Did he invite him into his life? Did he try to incorporate himself into Gaipa’s? Alan hopes not, but then Alan wonders how he couldn’t . Gaipa is, odd, how can anyone ignore oddity?

Alan’s hand finds Gaipa’s under the table, comfortable and safe with the way Gaipa wraps his fingers around his, an eye sent his way but otherwise unbothered. Alan watches the way he talks with Mrs. Hong and Alan wonders how he can ever feel lonely again.

The weekend is over, the absurdity of Mrs. Hong being Gaipa’s mom has worn off and they’ve, thoroughly, discussed the events that both have missed in each others life. Like, Mrs. Hong crashing Alan’s reservation and how long Gaipa waited in the mall hoping to run into Alan. It was all very informative and, exploratory. Alan enjoyed it.

But now it’s Monday and Monday is, exhausting. Especially when there’s been a mixup in clientele scheduling and suddenly Alan has 4 meetings back to back and misses his lunch over it. The receptionist could do nothing but bow her head in apology. Alan can do nothing but sigh and close his car door, slumping over his steering wheel.

Alan’s finally clocked out and feeling particularly stressed. He wants to talk about it. He wants to talk about how this isn’t the first time that receptionist has fucked up his schedule. He wants to talk about how clueless his third client was and how they requested the wrong officer for the job they needed done. He wants to complain about how cold his food was by the time he ate it.

With Wen he did, Alan would come home and complain and that was his mechanism, his way of unloading. But, that always bothered Wen. Alan wonders if it would bother Gaipa.

He thinks of watching that smile grow more tired over and over as all Alan does is talk about how shit his day was. Alan knows he wouldn’t have the energy to listen to Gaipa after that.

He doesn’t want to do that to Gaipa. He doesn’t really feel any need to complain either he just, wants to feel better. That’s where a new solution comes. What he needs is a distraction from work. He needs a de-stressor. Hanging out with Gaipa always makes him feel better, he thinks. He calls him.

Gaipa picks up on the second ring, “Alan?”

“Do you want to go the mall?”

A beat passes, “Absolutely.” Alan turns the wheel and heads home.

Alan leaves Gaipa to getting ready, hearing the dial click dead. He turns up the radio and passes the green light. Alan could complain, he could , but work is meant to stay in his office so, he tries to shake it off. He picks up Gaipa from the building, waiting for him at the end of those stairs with a smile, and they go to the mall together.

Gaipa must be able to tell his mood, because the second they get in the car, he’s attentive, “Do you want to talk about it?”

Alan thinks about the offer, seriously. Then, he shakes his head, “Not really.” He already feels better after seeing Gaipa’s face, he thinks a little more of this and he’ll forget about work completely.

“Alright.” Gaipa smiles, “You sound like you need a smoothie.”

Alan’s cheeks go wide, “I could go for a smoothie.”

Gaipa smiles, “I’ll pay.”

Alan shakes his head, feeling the urge to resist but he knows he won’t win, “Okay,” it’s not a war, Gaipa just wants to do something nice for him, “You can pay.” Gaipa’s answering expression is enough for Alan’s ego anyway.

Alan parks on the top floor of the car park because Gaipa likes stairs, he says, but Alan finds his true intention is he wanted a cover to kiss him every landing they arrive to. Gaipa’s hand grabs his wrist and pulls him over behind the rail. Gaipa kisses his cheek, and then he finds his mouth. It’s bliss.

Gaipa swallows the sound of Alan’s satisfaction and giggles against his tongue. Alan craves the taste of his smile. “So this is why you like stairs.”

Gaipa grins, kissing him with his breath, “Don’t you like stairs too?”

Alan can’t suppress a smile like this, he has to admit it, “With you? Always.”

They make it to the entrance of the mall in 20minutes. The walk should’ve only taken 5. Alan doesn’t mind.

“So,” Gaipa hums, “Smoothies?” He asks with those dark round eyes.

Alan nods, “Smoothies.”

He lets Gaipa take the lead, dragging him around and taking short cuts through stores, pointing out cute outfits that Alan imagines Gaipa wearing only for Gaipa to turn around and say he meant Alan.

“I just think a crop top would look cute on you.” Gaipa says and Alan doesn’t choke but he does hesitate on the thought.

“Really?” He asks, a smile beginning to grow teasing, “You can just cut one of my shirts then.”

Gaipa laughs, “You really trust me with scissors near your button downs?”

Alan shrugs a shoulder, pleased with the way Gaipa holds onto his arm, taking him from place to place.

They arrive at the smoothie shop. Gaipa’s smile grows giddy. Alan watches as Gaipa bounds over to the display, juicers pre-mixed and advertised as refreshing. Gaipa can’t seem to choose.

“We’re gonna need all 4.” He sounds so sure.

“We can’t get all 4.” Alan tells him.

Gaipa looks over, “Why not?”

Alan shakes his head, “We don’t need it.”

Gaipa sticks out his bottom lip, “I just said we did, need, Alan. It’s need.”

“Who’s gonna drink it all?” Alan asks.

Gaipa’s chest puffs, “I will.”

Alan raises a brow, “I’ll let you buy me a smoothie and you can have some of it. Get two flavors you like.”

Gaipa perks up, “Really? You’ll even let me pay, seriously?”

Alan nods, “If it makes you happy.”

Gaipa smiles, “You make me happy.”

Alan feels the burn in his face, he also feels the butterflies in his stomach and the degree of giddy that Gaipa looks. God, that smile does things to him. Alan has to look away, but he can’t. He smiles back. Gaipa preens.

Alan watches Gaipa place the order, two smoothies of different flavors that Alan’s never heard of. Gaipa looks so happy. Alan is content.

Once Gaipa secures the smoothies, he comes over to Alan, shoulder bumping shoulder. Gaipa takes sips out of both. Alan, waiting his turn, manages to steal a sip from one straw while the other is occupied.

“Peppermint?” Alan deduces.

Gaipa’s cheeks lift, “My chapstick.”

Alan hums, “So that’s what I tasted earlier.” Alan thinks of the stairs.

Gaipa grins, “Mhm!”

Alan doesn’t steal a kiss in public, but he thinks about it. Gaipa looks like he is too. What a shame they came to the mall, Alan thinks for a moment. But that thought reminds him why they did and he recognizes in that moment that he’d forgotten all about it. But now that he’s remembered, well, it’s a bit of a bummer.

Gaipa doesn’t let it last. He grabs his arm, smoothies in both hands, and points to a shop on his right. “That way.” He says, and waits for Alan to take the lead.

God, it’s beyond. Alan is struck by him.

And Alan delivers whatever Gaipa wants. They head into any shop Gaipa points at. Alan threatens the concept of buying anything Gaipa looks at, but Gaipa is smarter than Alan and he moves on faster than Alan can think. Gaipa doesn’t have to after all, he just feels, and he smiles and Alan feels like smiling too. Maybe thinking isn’t all there is.

Alan wants to try out feeling, and with Gaipa? That’s the easiest thing in the world.

Eventually, they end up wandering into the “suit and tie store” as Gaipa dubs it.

Gaipa, upon entering the first isle, says, “I think you need another paisley suit.”

Alan smiles, “Is this you asking me on a date?” He sips from the leftovers of Gaipa’s smoothie.

“You’re free on Sundays,” Gaipa grins, “I know that much.”

“I could be free on a Friday if you ask me in advance.” Alan tells him, watching the way Gaipa walks through the store. His hand touches everything.

“We’re going to that restaurant you went with my mother.” Gaipa tells him, “I want my date back.” He brushes a hand over a plaid blazer and makes a face.

Alan laughs, “Okay,” he smiles, “I’ll take you there,” it’s a promise, “I’ll make a reservation for Friday.”

Gaipa smiles, “I’ll pick out your tie.” And he does, he heads straight for the tie rack.

The apartment door opens at 8am, Mrs. Hong has decided to forego knocking for the duration that Alan has seemed to stay over. It only ever happens when Alan is here, in the kitchen making breakfast in a night shirt and boxers.

“You’ve got to stop walking in like this.” Alan greets, not once looking away from the stove, porridge nearly done.

“Just invite me in for breakfast already.” Mrs. Hong grumbles, coming in to gripe for something yummy. She smiles at the empty sink, “The apartment always looks so nice when you’re over.”

Alan shrugs, “I like to clean.”

“That’s a good thing with Gaipa.” Mrs. Hong muses.

Alan smiles, “It is.”

Mrs. Hong goes quiet and Alan has to turn over to see why. She’s smiling, real wide. “I’m so glad,” she says, “I am so glad.” Then she walks away cryptically. Alan just shakes his head. So is he, so is he.

Once the stove is done, Alan shuts off the flame. He passes Mrs. Hong sitting at the new breakfast table Alan sort of bullied Gaipa into buying, and sets down his coffee mug as he goes.

Gaipa’s door is still shut, meaning he’s still sleeping. Last time Alan was in there Gaipa had blinked awake, sleepily grabbing onto his waist and asking him where he was going. He’d fallen right back asleep after Alan had coaxed him with the idea of fresh food the next time he opens his eyes.

Alan opens the door gently, careful not to startle Gaipa. And there he is, tangled among bed sheets and morning light. His hair is fluffy, his cheeks a bit red from moving them against pillows. Gaipa’s a deep sleeper. Alan can never resist an image with Gaipa like this.

He comes over to Gaipa’s side, sitting down by his legs and watching his presence slowly become known. Gaipa moves in his sleep, waist twitching as his body turns, right into Alan’s body. Gaipa makes a sound, a noise like he knows who it is and has been looking for a long time for.

“Hon,,ey,,,,” Gaipa murmurs, turning his nose into Alan’s side, hands coming up to grab at his shirt. Gaipa smiles, rubbing his cheek into his thigh, “Hi ‘oney.” Gaipa sighs, happy.

“Hi,” Alan smiles, hand carding through Gaipa’s fluffy morning hair. He likes the way Gaipa leans into it when he scratches behind his ear, like Montow. “Mrs. Hong is at the breakfast table.”

“Oh?” Gaipa mumbles, eyes hesitant to open, comfortable among his bed sheets, “Ma’s over for brea’fast?”

Alan hums, “She is.” He touches the skin of Gaipa’s cheek, finding his nose and neck and taking in the sight of Gaipa’s slow mornings.

“Does ‘at mean I have to g’t up an’ greet ‘er?” Gaipa yawns halfway through his sleepy mumbling.

Alan smiles, “It does, but she probably won’t mind waiting with Montow for a bit while you get your yawns in.”

Gaipa’s sleepy smile grows. Even with his eyes closed he smiles just the same. Alan watches Gaipa fight with sleep, his bed dragging him under covers. Gaipa twitches like he’s going to get up, only to soften and sink. Alan kisses him, it’s the only way to energize him.

“I smell.” Gaipa says, not refusing a single kiss.

Alan pets his shoulder, “I like your smell.”

Gaipa huffs a laugh, turning into Alan’s hands, “You’re odd.”

Alan shakes his head, “No, you.”

Gaipa finally blinks, eyes peeling back to look up at Alan. “You are so odd.” He whispers, looking amused and awed at the same time.

Alan smiles, “It’s why I like you.”

Gaipa laughs, grabbing him by the sides and dragging him into bed. Alan laughs as he goes, trying to evade wandering hands finding themselves up his shirt. Gaipa’s excuse is to tickle, but Gaipa’s motive is, well there’s a hand on his chest and another on his ass. Alan thinks he can guess.

“You’re mom is waiting for us.” Alan tells Gaipa, holding him by his neck to kiss his face.

Gaipa whines, “She’s always there. What happened to me moving out and such?”

Alan shakes his head, “She just likes you.”

Gaipa shakes his, “She’s only here for you.” He says, sudden and true as anything.

Alan smiles, “Alright, maybe a little for me. But, she’s your mom. She loves you, we’ve got to be there for that.”

Gaipa smiles, falling back with a sleepy sigh, “Alright, I believe your logic is sound. Carry me there.”

Alan giggles, “Don’t ask for what you don’t want.” He wastes no time in picking Gaipa up under the ankles, reveling in the giggles torn from Gaipa’s chest. They laugh and tease all the way to the kitchen table.

“Energetic as always boys?” Mrs. Hong bats her lashes as she sips from the coffee Alan had made himself. It’s fine, she needed it more anyway. He’s got his energy for the day in his arms.

He’s got his energy for the day in his arms.

“You two are just so cute.” Mrs. Hong good, “So glad Gaipa found a man to put up with his late morning tendencies.”

“I thought he was a morning person but I’m starting to suspect.” Alan smiles.

Gaipa grumbles, “I am when I have a goal.” He slides out of Alan’s arms with a practiced ease, “Like opening up Ma’s shop.”

“Or stalking me on runs at 5am?” Alan adds.

Gaipa sends him a side eye, smile beginning to form, “That too.”

Mrs. Hong shakes her head, “Too cute.” She says, eyes sparkling as she holds that mug in her hands. “Come on everybody, sit down, share this meal with this old woman. Alan it smells delicious.”

Alan smiles, “Thank you, I went grocery shopping.”

Mrs. Hong hums, “Oh, so that’s why you were able to cook something edible in this apartment.”

“Ma!” Gaipa whines.

“You know it’s true Gaipa!” Mrs. Hong defends.

Alan shakes his head, touching Gaipa’s fingers beneath the table and feeling the soft pad of thumb twine with his. “It’s a little true.” Alan whispers. That hand’s grip goes deadly.

Luckily Gaipa’s still tired and he’s a bit like Montow when trying to be aggressive, it ends up being more cute than anything. And Gaipa quickly gives up, head falling to Alan’s shoulder, curling his side close. Alan does him a favor and moves his chair over so he doesn’t fall.

“Eat before you fall asleep.” Alan chides gently, making a plate up for Gaipa.

Gaipa hums, a nod of his head and a sound. The two of them listen to Mrs. Hong carry the conversation for the entire meal.

“Alan, Honey?” Gaipa’s voice comes from the bedroom, “Do you know what happened to my sock?” He asks, voice sounding closer as he walks out from behind the doorway.

Alan hums, “Which one?” He asks, flipping through the book he brought over from next door. He’s started leaving it on Gaipa’s shelf.

“The cat one,” Gaipa says, looking around the living room as he comes over, “Montow’s birthday gift to me.”

“Oh,” uh oh, “check the basket.” Alan’s getting the creeping suspicion he might’ve washed it with the wrong load.

Gaipa comes back out with a sock that sure enough, looks a bit, wrung out.

Alan’s face falls, “I’m so sorry.”

Gaipa’s still looking at the deformed sock, holding it up to the light before, he laughs. “It kind of looks like Montow now.” He says.

Alan gets up, “I’m so sorry Gaipa, I didn’t—“

Gaipa turns, “Sh-Sh-Sh,” he finds himself in Alan’s arms, rubbing his chest as he passes, “You’re okay, not your fault. I would like you to make it up to me though,”

Alan nods immediately, “I’ll buy you a new pair—“

Gaipa shakes his head, “Can’t buy sentiment Honey,” Gaipa smiles, “But we can make new ones. Want to help me wrestle Montow into a cat harness and make him pick out a new pair?”

Alan looks shiftingly to the cat sunbathing. As if he knows what they’re talking about, his head rises. He gives them a blank stare.

That’s not going to be easy. Alan agrees all the same, “I’ll do anything to make you happy My Heart.”

Gaipa smiles, “I know you would.” and it really is odd. Alan wouldn’t predict a thing different.

They make plans to go to the mall on a Thursday evening after Alan’s finished work and Gaipa’s finished his lunch with Mrs. Hong. Only thing is, Alan’s schedule seems to have a kink in it. Alan is standing inside their building by the bottom of the stairs, checking his watch periodically as he looks for any sign of Gaipa. He wasn’t in his apartment and he hasn’t picked up his phone.

It isn’t until Alan gets a short message, a text, “On my way!” That Alan releases a breath. He was close to declaring him missing and going to the police. But he’s on his way, so Alan waits.

Alan watches passerby’s continue down the stairs passing him by the main entrance. Alan tries to ignore the sense of awareness he has over his body and his hands and how he looks, like they’re all watching him when he knows they couldn’t care less. But he’s in public, alone, and that makes him a bit antsy.

Public is always more fun with another person, you can focus your attention on that person rather than on the public. It’s fine, Alan’s only so conscious because he’s waiting, usually he doesn’t care. It’s just because, he’s waiting. Alan checks his watch again. Gaipa’s running late.

Alan sighs, a sound from the depths of his chest. It releases a bit of the tension but it just makes him feel, bad. He can’t fault Gaipa, or at least he doesn’t want to. He knows there’s a logical explanation for why he’s late, and really no one’s as much of a stickler for time as Alan is so he can’t expect Gaipa to be right on the dot, but, time goes by.

Alan doesn’t know how long he ends up waiting, just long enough. Gaipa finally arrives, but it feels like no victory.

“Hey!” Gaipa calls the moment he arrives through those doors, panting as he jogs over, “I’m so sorry I’m late!” And he looks it, his eyes are shaken and his brows tilted. Gaipa looks a bit scared, or just sad and guilty.

Alan could say it was okay, knowing it’s not, knowing this has stressed him out the entire time he’s been waiting for Gaipa. But also, it’s Gaipa, he knows it wasn’t intentional. He could also let it go, it’s Gaipa. But he thinks Gaipa also knows how this has effected him and it’s while he’s thinking how to react that Gaipa comes up to him.

“Hey,” Gaipa breathes, he passes a hand over his heart, “It’s okay,” Alan’s sure he can feel it, “you can be upset with me.” Gaipa tells him, “I promise I’ll make it up to you.” He promises.

Alan nods, unsure what to say. “What will you do?”

Gaipa smiles, hearing the sadness in his voice, “Anything,” Gaipa tells him, “first, I’ll set more alarms and be more conscious of your schedule. Second, I’ll plan another event for me to be early to so I can give you back your time,” Alan nods, “how’s that sound?”

Alan smiles, grabbing Gaipa’s arm and leading him behind the staircase, “Kiss me and I’ll be alright for the rest of the day. Then we can plan tomorrow.”

Gaipa smiles, and he kisses the life out of him.

“Alright, now we really are going to be late.” Gaipa says, pulling away to breathe.

Alan shakes his head, “Change of plans, let’s be a bit later.” He leans in for another kiss. He can feel Gaipa’s smile against his mouth.

A moment passes, tangled up just like that. It’s Gaipa who brings them back.

“So,” Gaipa pulls away, breathless, “Ready to help me wrangle a lion into a cat bag?”

Alan grins, feeling thoroughly kissed in the best  possible way and running on that high, “Let’s go get him.”

They race up the stairs like children. Montow must be able to hear them because when they open up the door, Montow is nowhere to be seen—hiding. Alan and Gaipa share a look and Alan sighs.

“Alright, I’ll get the cart treats.” It only takes 30 minutes of coaxing, an impromptu cat nail trimming session, and a bucket of sweat to get Montow safe and situated into the hand bag Gaipa bought. It has a Lion’s mane around the cat hole where Montow’s head peeks out.

“He looks so much more gentle now.” Gaipa sighs, leaning back into Alan’s chest, unable to support his own weight anymore.

Alan hums, trying to breathe while he too sinks into the couch cushions. “He’s a terror, for no reason. ”

Gaipa’s laugh shakes his whole body, Alan’s too. It’s so odd, Alan wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Montow likes the pet store, Alan learns. Montow just doesn’t like not being able to touch everything in the pet store.

“Is there where you got your last pair of socks?” Alan asks, carrying the demon as he tries to jump out at the cat scratchers.

“Yep,” Gaipa smiles, looking down the isle, “I got us matching pairs, Montow wouldn’t let go of them.”

Alan turns an eye to Montow. He could see that.

Their mission is declared a success when Montow meows politely at a pair of orange and white socks with paws on them. And then he nearly strangles himself trying to fit through the hole in the bag. Alan decides to carry him home in his arms the whole way back to the car.

Alan tried handing him off to Gaipa, so he can drive, but Montow is stuck, glued, clipped claws digging into his lap.

Alan sighs, “Here,” he says, handing his keys over, “You drive. I’ll hold him.”

Gaipa blinks, “You, trust me with your car?”

Alan blinks back, “Of course,” he says, “I trust you with anything.”

Gaipa doesn’t seem to know how to respond, but Alan sees him fighting a smile. “Alright.” Gaipa whispers, sliding into the drivers seat.

Gaipa’s a really cautious driver Alan discovers, or maybe he’s just cautious with Alan’s car. He tries his hardest to not slam the break when lights change, he slows down at least a block before the intersection and somehow makes it to the white line without running out of momentum. It’s actually so smooth that Montow falls asleep.

“You should drive me to work.” Alan muses, feeling sleepy himself.

Gaipa chuckles, “Alright.” He says.

Alan blinks, “Hm?”

“I could.” Gaipa offers, “Whenever, if you’d like. And I won’t be late like I was today.”

Alan, doesn’t know how to respond, just—he bites back a wild smile. “Alright.” He says, “Alright.”

Montow is full of energy by the time they enter room 100. “Maybe sleeping in the car wasn’t such a good idea.” Gaipa muses, watching his beloved cat throw itself into a couch cushion and then a wall in the same burst of speed.

“All I know is I am not letting Montow drive my car.” Alan sets down the cat bag on the coffee table.

Gaipa laughs, coming to join him. “You’re staying tonight aren’t you?” He asks, a bit conscious.

Alan nods, “If you’ll have me.”

Gaipa smiles, “Always.” He sits next to Alan on the couch and turns into the hand that presses into the back of his neck. Alan sits there and passes the time with massaging knots out of Gaipa’s spine. Montow comes over to do the same to Alan’s shoulder. It’s a good thing they trimmed his claws.

Alan’s having a bad day, just real rough, a tough day that he wants nothing to do with. Not even a smoothie could cure this feeling. Really all he wants is to go home, home . He thinks about it all the way up those stairs, all the way down that hall. He looks at room 101.

Alan turns on his heel. He wants to go home.

He knocks on that door; room 100. He stands, briefcase in hand, tie strung tight, he’s choking. A beat passes then it creaks, that door, “Alan?” Gaipa.

Gaipa’s smile widens at the sight of him.

Alan doesn’t say a thing, just finds himself in Gaipa’s arms and drops his briefcase. “Kiss it better please.” He whispers into the crook of his neck.

Gaipa hums, “Okay,” he turns his cheek and holds his head, “Of course,” he says, and he kisses him. Gaipa kisses his hair, his ear—it’s loud—his face which he finds tucked away. Gaipa kisses him all over his face, Alan gives him his mouth.

The door shuts behind him as he crawls into Gaipa’s space, Gaipa pulls him in. His mouth is soft and comforting and communicates that he’s allowed, he’s welcome. Alan could kiss forever. He thinks he does. The sky blends when he breathes.

Gaipa pets his head, Alan’s ear above his heart. “Rough day, hm?” Gaipa asks.

Alan gives a noncommittal answer, perfectly content with laying still and breathing. Alan can hear Gaipa’s smile from here, like it tugs at his chest.

“I hear you,” Gaipa hums. He pets his head, gentle fingers brushing the pads beneath the skin of his ear. It sends a tingly feeling each time. Alan understands Montow.

A moment passes, many moments. The moon fades and darkness gives to a yellow lamp. Montow has joined them, sleeping above on the back of the couch. Alan continues to listen to the beat of Gaipa’s heart, to the sound of his breathing, to the little hums he makes here and there as he tries not to send himself to sleep in the mass of comfort.

Then Alan, through Gaipa’s sternum, hears him speak, “Move in with me.” Says Gaipa.

“Yes.” Answers Alan.

And that’s it, that is the final and only reason Alan moves out of room 101.

Alan turns, anticipation and expectation nourished by the very sight of him, Gaipa. He lays there with a smile, turns to him and crawls into his chest, looking up. His eyes are so wide. Alan has to kiss him. Gaipa kisses back.

“Hi Honey.” Gaipa kisses into his skin.

“Hello Lover.” Alan is so odd around Gaipa. He was never like this with Wen. He couldn’t be more fixated.

Winter has just begun,

Alan knows because it’s cold and Gaipa’s skin has never felt any better. The man runs like a boiler all on his own and in summer, it’s not a preferable trait but, Alan’s desired him all the same. Whether they’re sweating between each other or huddled with the excuse of Christmas upon them, it’s all the same, Alan and Gaipa, together. It’s not an oddity at all. What a comfort.

Or at least Alan thinks so. This room that always tends to grow cold in winter has become just a bit more comforting actually. Maybe it’s because he’s moved out of that apartment with the open window and the odd number but, ever since he did, he’s felt better. There are new things to like about his new place. For one, it starts with a predictable number.

Apartment room 100 is not the last room on the last floor of the last staircase in the building, but the second to last; which is a fascinating oddity. Apartment room 100 also has a pet, a cat who doesn’t mind staying home all day, alone, cuddled up in the couch seat. Occasionally, the cat will steal the tie Alan takes off fresh from work; it’s an odd cat. Alan likes it very much.

There are many things to like about room 100, other than the fact that it really doesn’t feel like just a room nor that it holds out the winter cold so well. But Alan’s favorite, most definitely, is because he has a roommate, a partner. And he doesn’t have to worry about an empty chair or a lonely breakfast. Nor does he have to worry about being locked out of his house with no one to let him in. And Alan never worries about coming home to a lonely man, never once, because Alan comes home early. Their schedules are so in sync.

Alan comes home to a grey cat and a problem to solve and, “Honey, I’m home!” Is the most predictable song of all.