Work Text:
‘Hey Kings, just wrapping things up now, I’ll try to make it home sometime tonight! x’
Kingsly reread the email as he anxiously awaited Puddle’s arrival. They had been out for the day to tend to an appointment abroad, so the two had been apart since the early morning. He would have wanted to wait by the door, but he figured it would be better to do something more productive. Coming home to a clean house will definitely help boost the stylist’s mood, especially after such a long day working with a client.
And that’s where he was, sweeping in the kitchen when they unlocked the front door. Though, when Kingsly put down the broom and went to greet them, Puddle had already dropped their bags and left for their bedroom. He only saw their slumped posture for a moment before the door slammed shut.
Ah, it was one of those days, it seems.
The florist picked up their bags and sat them on the counter, giving them some time to properly decompress as an idea wormed its way into the forefront of his mind. After the day they must have had, they more than earned a little pampering. With that, he got to work.
Kingsly gently knocked on the bedroom door and sighed when he heard faint mumbling in response. He opened the door and found Puddle curled around a pillow on his side of the bed, barely having the energy to turn their head and look up at him. Even though the lights were dim, he was still able to make out their sleepy expression as he sat on the edge of the mattress.
He rubbed their back, rousing them enough to hear his hushed words.
“Petal, are you alright?”
“Mmph. Just tired… sore.”
Kingly chuckled lightly, pulling them into his arms, “Thought so. I ran you a bath if it helps.”
“You did? Oh, you’re an angel, Kings.”
Said bath was still steaming when he brought the stylist into the bathroom, a mixture of herbs and flowers floating on its cloudy surface. The emanating smell was heavenly, Kingsly really was good at his craft. A few scented candles near the tub added to the soothing atmosphere, and as Puddle was set down, they couldn’t help but feel themself already starting to relax.
Standing in the doorway, Kingsly gave them a soft smile.
“Let me know when you’re done, okay?”
“I will, thanks hun.”
Kingsly stood by as the kettle boiled. The old thing always took its sweet time to work, but so did most of the appliances in their cottage-style house. He didn’t have the heart to replace them though, as they were moving gifts from his mother. Even the loud chugging of the drier had its own sort of charm, its own touch of personality to bring to his lively abode.
Speaking of, he heard the laundry room fall silent; the snuggliest pajamas and softest sheets were ready to be put to use. Surely the extra effort will make all the difference, both of them could benefit from freshly washed sheets. He took out the sheets first, basking in the warmth as he blindly wandered back to the bedroom. If he has any extra time he could even iron their pajamas, sure they’d get all ruffled up in bed anyway but it’s the thought that really matters.
He took extra care to tuck in the corners of the sheets and fluffed the pillows. After all his time with Puddle, his attention to detail had greatly improved. He threw the duvet over the sheets, hoping that it would help preserve the warmth. Ah, he hadn’t slept in a warm, freshly made bed since he was much younger, back when he put off making his bed until much later in the night. The memory pulled a laugh out of him.
The flannel pajamas were soon ironed, folded and placed on the foot of the bed, a freshly cut rose resting on top. Just in time too, it seems, as Puddle called out from the bathroom.
“I’m done!”
“Great! I left some clothes on the bed for you, make yourself comfortable.”
He left the bedroom and shut the door behind him, allowing Puddle their privacy as he walked back to the kitchen. By now the kettle had long since finished. The water was still hot, rising steam fogged up a nearby window. Looking through the pantry, Kingsly reached to the back of a high shelf where he found what he was looking for. A special box of tea bags, each holding a calming blend of herbs picked straight from his garden. He had always saved them for a rainy day, today was just as good as any.
The tea was poured into a tall mug and while the sweet smell was tempting, it wasn’t for him, Puddle was his priority after all. He hoped that they enjoyed the drink as much as he did, it had been quite a while since he last made tea like this. Perhaps he could even sell some at his shop if he had the motivation to make more. Ah, he was getting ahead of himself, the tea would get cold if he kept standing around!
When he made his way back to the bedroom, he found his dear Puddle cozied up on their side of the bed. They looked up expectantly at him, noticing the cup in his hand. Kingsly sat it on the bedside table where the rose was now sitting, and took in the look of awe on their face. Puddle whispered their thanks as they brought the drink to their lips.
They seemed a lot more relaxed than tired now, a warm smile growing as they sipped the hot tea. Kingsly considered this a job well done, and turned to leave. He still needed to drain the bath and clean up a little, but they stopped him.
“Kings, come to bed.”
“B-but I–”
“You’re taking care of me tonight, aren’t you? Then come here and give me cuddles!” They smugly grinned.
Well, he couldn’t argue with that. Kingsly sighed and joined them under the covers, playing the big spoon as he usually did when they shared these soft moments together. His hands slipped under their shirt, pressing against their stomach.
Puddle ran cold, while Kingsly was much warmer. When they cuddled like this, their contrasting temperatures balanced out, saving Puddle from the cold while they kept Kingsly from overheating. Though, perhaps his focus on keeping the bed warm would only come back to bite him now that his own body heat added to it. Puddle seemed to agree with that, and tried to wriggle out of his grip.
“Too hot- Kings–!”
Kingsly smiled against their neck, “I thought you wanted to cuddle?”
“Let me go or so help me- I’ll send you to the couch!” they yelled between restrained giggles.
“The couch? So cruel…”
He did eventually let them go and they swiftly sat up, picking up the mug to keep Kingsly from trying to grab them again. Kingsly leaned against the headboard and watched as they took another sip. It’s truly shocking just how much his actions impacted their mood. They seemed so tired and upset when they walked in the door, but now they were happy! Though, Kingsly did wonder how bad the day must have been to affect them like that.
“Say, Petal, how come that job wore you out so much?”
Their face fell, and for a quiet moment they pondered their reflection in the tea. That was certainly not a good sign, but luckily he wouldn’t regret asking as they did eventually answer.
“Well, it’s just that client in particular. I had to take a day trip because they didn’t want to take a cheap flight to meet me at my salon! And they were so rude too, always picking at my methods and making last-minute changes. Sure, I’m a ‘universal’ stylist, but I can only do so much!”
Kingsly nodded along as they continued their rant, just about the angriest he’d seen them in a long time. With all the details they gave, he was starting to get mad at the client’s behaviour too, and he wasn’t even there to witness it himself. At some point during their passionate rambling, they had cuddled up to Kingsly’s chest, resting their head under his chin.
When it was over, they let out a deep sigh and closed their eyes.
“Thanks Kings, I really needed to get that out.”
“I’m always willing to listen.”
He kissed their forehead, smiling when they purred in response. Puddle shifted their position so that they were fully sitting in his lap, seemingly forgetting their initial complaints about the heat.
“You’re too good for me honey, really,” They leaned in closer and cupped his face in their hands, “Come on, I gotta pay you back somehow, right?”
“P-petal, no. You’re already so tired, let’s just get some rest.”
“Hm, fine. But I’m using you as a pillow, AND I’m making you breakfast tomorrow!”
Kingsly laughed at that and laid back on the soft mattress, taking Puddle with him, “Works for me.”
That night the house was still and quiet, the only noises that could be heard were the hushed whispers and sleepy kisses as the two drifted off.