Work Text:
it’s winter now, and winter is the season of love.
winter is a time of comfort, and giving comfort is one of kai’s greatest strengths. he is always there with a cup of chamomile tea and a plate of sugar cookies. in the evenings, we cuddle on the couch and pick out a cheesy movie. on days when it’s especially cold, he lights up the fireplace and grabs a fluffy blanket to envelop us in. he cooks marvelous meals during the wintertime, majestic plates of food overflowing with delicious tenderness, love baked into every bite.
he never says much, but he always keeps a watchful eye on me. whether i am enjoying a cup of tea, watching a movie, or sitting beside the fireplace, he is always there observing me through loving eyes.
“chamomile or chai?”
i am taken from my thoughts.
kai is standing in the kitchen, kettle in one hand, tea bags in the other. he’s wearing an orange apron, stained and faded from use. underneath, he has a gray fuzzy turtleneck and navy sweatpants. he’s wearing socks with his slippers.
“you look troubled,” kai says, sensing my uncertainty. “would you like me to choose?”
my eyes wander to the tea bags in his hand. whichever kai makes, i know it will be delicious either way.
“yes, kai, you can choose,” i respond.
kai smiles and returns to the kitchen, boils the water and prepares a bag of tea. a fire burns in the fireplace. i reach for the remote and power on the tv. the show from yesterday is still playing.
“here you go, my love,” kai hands me a mug. its soft, sweet aroma wafts through the air. “enjoy.”
kai sits beside me on the couch with a mug of his own, and pulls the blankets over our laps.
i bring the mug to my lips and sip. the taste is mellow and sweet, floral with a hint of honey.
“it’s chamomile,” i notice.
“it is, my dear. i hope it is to your liking.” a faint smile is on his lips. his gaze upon me is soft, and he takes my hand.
the television plays softly in the background, and the fireplace crackles. we finish our tea and set it aside, but kai doesn’t let go of my hand. he wraps his arms around me, and i beckon him to rest his head on my shoulder.
“you work so hard, kai,” i tell him, running my fingers through his long, delicate hair. he buries his face in my shoulder, and i kiss him on the top of his head.
“i love you kai,” i whisper. but he doesn’t respond, because he’s already fast asleep on my shoulder.
the show ends, and the credits roll. the fire in the fireplace grows tired as well. the weather outside is cold and dark, but in kai’s arms it is soft and warm. i kiss kai’s head once more, and rest my head against his. soon, sleep takes me and drowns out the world around me.
kai is with me, and that’s all that matters in the season of love.