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It is a quiet, private Friday evening, just like how Kevin likes it. Raymond is working late (again) tonight, so he finished his dinner first while preserving one plate for him. Now he is sitting on the armchair in the living room, drinking some wine while reading a book with Cheddar lying just besides his foot. He does enjoy the moment alone, but he also simultaneously missed the time with his husband in these exact settings.
Raymond will sit in the next armchair besides him, they will silently read their own reading materials while sipping some wine, it is true Kevin is now doing it and there is no difference in terms of action. But that feelings of someone you loved just in the same space as you, even though there is no conversation, but just knowing he is there giving a different feeling to Kevin. And Kevin loves it, when he raises his eyes he can see Raymond just right over there, it is a sense of security that no one will give him, ever.
He hopes Raymond will not need to stay out so late after today, he did mention to him that today is the day that the squad were prepared to get into action and strike the criminals, so that should conclude this long case that has Raymond working late for the past month. This is not the first time, of course, that Raymond has to go out and catch the criminals himself, but no matter how many times it was, Kevin finds that he himself will never be at ease knowing his husband is out there in danger.
It is not that he doesn't trust Raymond or his ability, Kevin is very clear what his husband was capable of and he trusted him, almost borderline blindly. He trusted his every word if he says so, although The Wednesday Incident does shatter his belief for a moment, but he bounces back pretty soon after Raymond explained to him and he accepted it. However regardless of how many trusts he puts on his abilities, there is no deny that Raymond gets injured a lot, especially when he is out in the field.
He no longer thinks about it as frequent as he used to, but whenever Raymond was out in the field it always reminds him of those times where he had to rush to hospital only to see his injured, wounded husband on the hospital bed. There was one time where he had slicing wounds just above his ears, there was another time where he falls from second floor resulted into broken bones, there is another time with a concussion... Too many times but Kevin remembers every single one of them. And he prayed, although he is non-religious, but he prayed to the universe, that Raymond comes home safely, everyday.
Certainly these times are significantly reduced when Raymond was in PR and after becomes a captain as captain are rarely out in the field now, but occasionally there were once or twice a year he had to do what he does when he was a detective. Like tonight.
That being said, he had learned over the years that keep his worries deep down at the back of his mind, and learn to relax at times like this while carry out his routine. And that is why he is now reading a book that he was meant to read for a long time while sipping over a good bottle of red wine that he will saved half of it for Raymond for sure.
Time passed fast when he was immersed himself into the world of the book, by the time he finished his wine and look at the clock, it is already 11pm, which is their usual sleeping time, but Raymond still nowhere to be seen. There is no phone call coming in, so probably the mission was a success and Raymond was celebrating with the squad at the bar, normally he will be at home by 10 but maybe today is too happy an occasion so he got carried away. It is not the first time it happens anyway and Kevin is very happy for him to be able to find a squad that he become so close to.
But he could not stay that late, Kevin yawn and debate whether he should go upstairs and sleep on his own. He dislikes the bed with only him on it but he had learned to endure it when he was in Paris and when Raymond was in Florida, he still sleeps sideways while facing Raymond's side even though there was nobody there with him, it is an eternal habit that he could not get away from for the rest of his life he presumed.
While he was debating with himself, he felt his eyes was sleepy. Maybe just take a nap in the living room until Raymond comes back... He don't want him to come home in a pitch dark room, not at a Friday night. So he settles with himself and close his eyes on the armchair while waiting for his husband to come back.
It was very peaceful until he heard an unusual noise happens on his front door. It sounds like there is a group of people stands right outside his door, which at this time is certainly unusual. It startled him and Kevin's radar was up and he was awake at that moment and scanning the room make sure he will have some melee weapon if this is a house-break, until he heard the key was spinning at the door.
Wait, is this Raymond? He never mentions he will be bringing anyone home with him, perhaps the squad is celebrating the mission success together? But they always take this to the bar rather than their home as Raymond knows Kevin does not like any sorts of noisy gathering.
He sits up straight while listen carefully to the sound from the foyer, but his shoulder was no longer tense knowing the only person who has a key to their house that is outside right now is his husband.
"Slow down... Slowly... Woah."
"Captain are you sure? "
"Keep you all voice down, Kevin might be asleep. "
"At this time? "
"We are not young anymore, Peralta. "
"Says the man who wouldn't want to go to hospital even though he is injured. "
"I told you all this is fine, we have medical kit in the home. "
"Okay the door is open, come on."
Now this conversation is concerning, and sounds like the whole squad is following Raymond home. Is Raymond get himself injured again? That he needs help to get back to home? Kevin panics for a second there before stands up and run to the foyer.
"Raymond? " When the squad opened the captain's house door, all they see is captain's husband, Kevin stands behind the door with his night gown, looking startled from his sleep.
"Kevin, you are awake? I thought you must be asleep consider the time now. " Raymond was being support by the arm from Sergeant Jeffords and Detective Boyle, and his tone sounds surprised.
"I was asleep in the living room while waiting for you... " Kevin try to answer his husband's question until he saw the crimson red on Raymond's white uniform.
At the time his tone completely changed.
"Raymond, are you injured? " That was not a question but rather close to a sentence, because what else could that be on Raymond's uniform and why would he needed support from his squad?
The squad jolts a little at his stern tone and Raymond answered with a tiny guilt in his voice that only Kevin knows: "It was just a small wound, I was lightly sliced through. "
"I'm sorry, you were sliced through?? "
That sentence alone was enough to throw Kevin into an emotional turmoil but he tries to calm himself down, there were other people here after all. He immediately marched towards his husband and supported him with his own arms rather than Sergeant Jeffords and Detective Boyle. While he is supporting him and walk him towards the living room, Raymond still tries to ease his discomfort which quite frankly, looking at that crimson red doesn't help at all.
After support him to sit down on the sofa, Kevin rushed to their storage room and picks up the medical kit they kept in the house, by the time he was return to the living room, all the squad member were already suit themselves in their living room. Looks like Raymond is the only one who got injured in this case.
He placed the medical kit on the floor, kneeled down in front of the sofa, picks a scissor from the kit and tries to cut open Raymond's uniform with it, in silent. He tries to keep his composure and he kept silent throughout because he will sounds panic if he said something, the red throws him back to a lot of memories in the hospital and he is afraid that one of his nightmare is becoming true.
"Kevin, there is no need to fuss over this, it is just a tiny injuries... " Raymond must saw the panic on his face although he is now tries his best to show a poker face, he can read him like a book but he certainly cannot comforts him at times like this. That sentence from his mouth is of no helpful but only ignites a fire in Kevin's heart and makes him angry.
He stops his action of cutting the uniform and takes a deep breath. He doesn't normally do this unless he is really upset and this is what he feels right now.
"Raymond Jacob Holt, you listen to me. " That full name alone without his title let Raymond knows that he is serious and upset.
"You are in no position to tell me whether your injuries is tiny or not. I make my judgement when I see the wounds, I get to decide whether I am fussing over this or not, I remain the rights of being worried over my husband, especially if his white uniform are covered in red right now! " He raise his voice slightly, put hard tone on each word loud and clear to show how upset he is right now, but he soften his tone in the next.
"Even though if it is really tiny as you claimed, I will still worried. Raymond. "
The living room was silent, so he continues to pick up the scissor and cut the shirt open, without looking at Raymond's expression.
"... I'm sorry, Kevin. " He lift his head and saw Raymond was being apologetic, and he also puts his hand on his shoulder to comfort him, but he shook his head, this is not Raymond's fault: "There is no need to apologize. "
In the living room corner, Jake mouthed a 'Oh My God' to the squad to show his shocks over Kevin sudden burst of emotion.
When he finish the cutting, he finally saw the wound, there was a long cut on Raymond's chest from left to right, it is not deep, as Kevin can see the blood is not flowing out anymore, but still it almost makes Kevin's heart stops when he saw it.
He turn to the medical kit and find all the necessary item to wash and disinfect the wounds before apply the medicine. Raymond tend to explain what happens that resulted into this: "We were busting the perps and I got one of them, but he got a knife and wielded it unexpectedly so I got cut from that. "
"It is not deep, but please be aware that this will hurt a bit. " Kevin knows his husband had high pain tolerance, but high tolerance doesn't mean he does not feel the pain. It still sadden him to see Raymond's being injured.
After the disinfection, he puts on the bandage and done it very professionally. He did not go to that emergency medical care class just for fun, he is a professional at handling wounds which is why Raymond would not want to go to hospital for this, he himself had attend that class and was fully capable of treating it professionally.
"There, no touching of water and please refrain from sudden big moves. " Kevin let out a soft breath and tidying up the medical items, in the meantime Raymond was silently watching him but he touched his hands as a sign of comfort to calm Kevin down.
Kevin had already pulled himself together after treating the wounds and make sure there are no other injuries that Raymond suffers from, so it is just a shallow but long cut, Raymond will be fine. He feels relaxed after that truth has been established.
Then he finally directs his attention to the squad member who obviously was sending Raymond home and worried about him as well.
"I am sorry for ignoring you all for such a long time. Please allow me to express my gratitude for sending Raymond home. Thank you. " Kevin looked at the squad member and thanked them sincerely, he will have to pick up a few drinks to offer them else he may looks rude to them.
"Oh... Uh... You're welcome! We were worried about captain as well haha... Maybe we should go? " Jake was seemingly uncomfortable because he feels like he is intruding the captain and Kevin's life and frankly the other feels the same way.
"Oh no, please allow me to offer you all a drink. " Kevin then walked to the kitchen and bringing out a few drinks to the squad based on their preferences.
"Raymond, I have your dinner prepared in the kitchen, would you like to have them now? " Raymond was eyeing the bottle of wine that he saved half for him, but with his injuries he is best not to touch alcohol until his wounds healed. So Kevin quickly keep the bottle away and ignore the gaze from Raymond: "Of course, dear. ".
Kevin nodded and turned to kitchen to heat the dinner and also prepare to cook an extra soup, Raymond could use it tonight. When he is done, he carried the tray to the living room while prohibited Raymond to move himself to the dining room.
"Having dinner in the living room? That is absurd. " Raymond complaint.
"It is not, especially if you are injured. Now, I cooked your favourite tomato soup just now, please have it together with your plate. " Kevin served a plate of roasted beef, a small portion of his rice and a portion of roasted brocollis and brussel sprouts, all unseasoned just like Raymond would like it to be. Alongside of the plate is a small bowl of freshly cooked tomato soup. Raymond can cooked well himself if following the recipe, but he always admired Kevin's cooking where he always puts more hearts into it, when having his meal, he can actually feel the care and love that Kevin poured into these dishes.
"Thank you, Kevin. " Kevin nodded and sits at the other chair before he started eating his dinner.
About a couple minutes in, the squad had finished their drinks and was ready to leave. Kevin thanked them again while walked them to the front door and watched them leave. Then he went back to the living room finding Raymond still having his dinner.
Kevin loves cooking, part of the reason is watching the man he loves eating the meal that he prepared gave him a sensation of bliss.
"How was the meal? "
"It was perfect. Thank you, Kevin. "
"You're welcome, Raymond. "
With that and a light kiss Raymond puts on his lips, Kevin finally smiled and Raymond was glad to see his husband smiles again.
***
The next day in the 99 before the captain arrives.
"Kevin was really... domestic in the house huh? "
"His cooking skills was exceptional! I don't need to taste to know that meal was gooood! "
"I don't know why but the way he take cares of the captain is... warming my heart. "
"I told you guys they are perfect for each other! "
"But Kevin is so scary when he is angry, did you see even Captain was backing down when he gets angry. "
"I guess that's his professor act when he sounds like that. "
"Sometimes I envy how good their relationship are."
"Who wouldn't? "
'Ding! '
"Good Morning, Captain! How was your wound? "
"Good Morning, squad. Thank you for asking, it is healing fine. "
"Pretty sure Kevin is making sure of it. "
"What's that box that you carried? "
"Oh, Kevin makes me a lunch. He want to make sure what I eat is good for recovery. "
"Damnnnn domestic Kevin is sooo good. "
"I am sorry what are you calling my husband? "
"Nope... Nothing! "
"Well then, get back to work. "
And just like that, the 99 continues to shine, much like the lunchbox Kevin filled for Raymond with his love.
**FIN**