Work Text:
Pax has never been fond of the cold weather that comes with winter.
He’s more of a go-out-where-there’s-lots-of-sun-and-go-to-the-beach-and-go-out-with-friends-and-party-until-you-actually-explode kind of guy. He loves the fun experiences that summer comes with. Plus sunbathing exists! He loves the sun. The light it brings, how the appearance of nature changes as the sun rises and sets… it’s beautiful. He takes advantage of it and takes a million pictures when he can.
Now, with the sun gone once the clock hits five, along with the weekly flu his body gets cursed with… yeah, things aren’t going too well for him at this moment. His boyfriend doesn’t seem to mind it, though. That’s something Pax will never understand. It’s cold! It’s freezing! Are you immune to the sheer cold? Does your skin have multiple layers that flawlessly protect you from it? Would you care to share?
It’s strange. Even when he’s swathed in a thick, fluffy blanket, he still shivers underneath the covers. He sits on the couch, sniffling as he watches Jiang make hot cocoa (by Pax’s request). Jiang hums a melody that Pax is unfamiliar with, perhaps it is a song he enjoys? Whatever it was, it soothed Pax. Or maybe he’s just biased. His voice has always been nice to listen to, though. That was the first thing he noticed about Jiang, since back then he covered his face with a combination of bangs that covered both his eyes and facemasks. In the past, Pax would practically beg Jiang to start an ASMR channel of some sort, or any form of video that required him to talk through most of it. Of course, that was just an excuse to listen to him for longer periods of time. Jiang, of course, never went through with this, since he was way too embarrassed. Now that he thinks about it, maybe it’s for the best. If the rest of the world knew Jiang Wang existed, there’d be a line of people wanting to get with him. Pax knew there was no way he wouldn’t win, but the very thought of competition existing was something… he didn’t want to dwell on. Pax can get frustratingly jealous at times.
Lost in thoughts, Pax’s eyes became heavier and he didn’t realize he'd already fallen asleep.
Words from the TV slowly become less intelligible as Pax wakes up, feeling Jiang’s coarse hands petting the back of his ears. He leans into his touch, not saying a word. His head had moved from the back of the couch to resting on Jiang’s lap, facing the TV. Pax is too comfortable to open his eyes or move more than he needs to.
“You awake?” Jiang asks.
Pax lets out a noise, confirming Jiang’s previous question.
“Your hot chocolate’s cold now. You’ve been asleep for some time.
’How long?’ he mumbles.
“An hour and a half, something like that.”
Pax begrudgingly gets up, choosing to lean on Jiang’s shoulder instead. “Why didn’t you wake me up?”
“You seemed comfortable. Did you dream about something?”
“You became a popstar and we had to keep our relationship a secret or else your fangirls and boys would be out to get me.”
Jiang laughed. “Really?”
“Yes, really! And when I decided to kiss you on live TV or something, I was chased by a group of people who had flags with your face on it and they were chanting something about killing me… it was terrifying!”
“Oh no, so you had a nightmare?”
“I guess you could say that. It was nice in the beginning. You were pretty rich and owned a mansion.”
Pax shifts his position on the couch, laying his legs on the soft cushion. Jiang moves the blanket so it continues to cover them. Their hands intertwine and Jiang gives it a gentle squeeze.
“You make it sound like we aren’t what people consider rich. We know how loaded our parents are.”
“Well, yeah, but we don’t live in a mansion.” Pax lets go of Jiang’s hand and gently moves his arm up, so he can cuddle him. Jiang’s arm envelops his body as he nuzzles his face into his chest, inhaling his scent. He can faintly smell cigarettes. “You’re warm.”
“Yeah? Is it nice?”
“I’ve been freezing. My winter coat isn’t helping.”
“Your winter coat isn’t helping because the only thick hair you have comes from your head and tail. Why can’t you use your tail as a blanket?”
“The fur gets everywhere. I either inhale it or it somehow ends in my mouth.”
“I should start grooming you like an actual cat so there’s less fur around the place.”
“Actually? Yeah, that sounds really nice! And we can collect all the fur and make a hat or something.”
“...Let’s not do that, okay, Paxie?”
“Understood.”
They share a small laugh and comfortable silence fills the room. Jiang focuses on whatever’s on the TV, and Pax focuses on Jiang, examining his features.
He already knows how beautifully handsome his boyfriend is. But no matter how much time passes of them being together, he can never fathom just how attractive his boyfriend is. How’d he get so lucky? Jiang had plush, cracked lips that Pax absolutely adored; and stunning blue eyes that Pax couldn’t help but get lost in, completely absorbed and fascinated by. And the freckle just underneath his eye! It was so cute! The dark circles under his eyes also attributed to how handsome he is. Everything about him is just so perfect.
Without saying anything, Pax simply cups his cheek and turns his head, now facing him. He stares at him, completely in awe. Jiang, however, is confused; but he can’t help but feel flustered under Pax’s gaze.
“You’re so beautiful.”
Jiang’s face flushed. “Wh-what? Where did that come from..?”
“I’ve been staring at you. Become a model and you’ll make us millions. Actually, don’t, because I have to keep this beauty all to myself~!” Pax squished his face and complaints came from Jiang. He eventually grabbed his hands to force him to stop. “I should be saying the same about you! I see people steal glances from you while we’re out.” He pouted. “They shouldn’t be staring.” Pax laughs. “Then we should live in an isolated forest! Complete with a river, meadow, and talking animals!”
“Talking animals..?”
“Like in those fantasy romance movies. Y’know?”
“I suppose…”
Pax hums, “living in a cottage surrounded by nature doesn’t sound too bad. If only the weather was right for that.”
“I mean, we could do that when we’re on vacation.”
“It should be temporary though!”
“Babe, you’ll bore yourself to death. I know how much you need to socialize.”
“All I need is you, though!”
Jiang looks away, embarrassed, “I’m sure that you’ll get tired of my presence eventually.”
Pax frowns. “How could I? If that were the case, why am I still here with you?”
Jiang remained silent. Pax held his hands once more, tracing circular motions on the back of his hand. “You’re my favorite person in the world, and all I ever want to do is spend time with you. Any time spent with you is the highlight of my day, and I love being around you. No matter what we’re doing! Even when you were tutoring me and I was on the verge of ripping my hair out, I still enjoyed it, because it was with you. Now isn’t an exception either. Moments like these when we aren’t really doing much are relaxing. Jiang, I’m going to marry you! Don’t convince yourself that I’ll get bored of being around you. I would love to spend all day with you.” He paused for a moment, “it’s gonna happen when we’re old and wrinkly! Prepare yourself for cuddles all day every day!”
Jiang took these words to heart. Pax always knew what to say when he was overthinking, even if it was something silly. He raised Pax’s hand to his lips, kissing it. “I’m so lucky to have you in my life.”
Pax grinned. “Me too. I love you so much.”
“I love you more.”
Pax leaned in and pecked his lips. Before he could continue to do anything more, Jiang got up, much to the dismay of Pax. “Wait, come back! It’s cold.”
“But you’re hot chocolate. I don’t really want to waste it. I’m gonna heat it up for you, alright? It won’t take too long.”
“But I’ll miss you…”
“You’ll be fine. We’re gonna be together til we’re old and wrinkly, so we’ll have plenty of time to be together.”
“You can’t use my words against me! That’s not fair!”
“I’ll be back in a moment, Paxie.”
He sighed in defeat, “alright..”
Then they drank hot cocoa and snuggled awww so cute i love them sm