Chapter Text
Twilight faded on the horizon as Jack opened the door to his home, the sanctuary he shared with Rusty. The day had been long, and the bustling city now felt quiet, almost reflective. Jack dropped his keys on the entry table and slipped off his shoes, relishing the feeling of finally being home.
That's when he heard the sound of the front door. Rusty entered, his figure silhouetted against the last glow of the day. There was a tension in his shoulders that Jack knew all too well; it was the burden of a soul carrying the weight of the world on his back.
"How was your day?" Jack asked, approaching Rusty with a warm smile.
Rusty tried to return the smile, but his eyes couldn't hide the weariness. "It was... intense," he admitted, dropping his gym bag to the floor with a sigh.
Jack nodded, already plotting a plan to ease Rusty's tension. "How about I make something special for you tonight?" he offered, his tone full of an unspoken promise.
Rusty looked at him, a spark of curiosity in his gaze. "That sounds perfect," he said, and for a moment, the tension seemed to dissipate, replaced by the anticipation of a quiet and loving evening.
Jack headed into the kitchen, preparing to give his husband a warm and relaxing night.
The kitchen filled with the sound of a wooden spoon hitting against the pot as Jack prepared Rusty's favorite onion and carrot chutney. The blend of spices and the sweetness of caramelized carrots filled the air, creating an aroma that promised comfort and home.
Rusty, sitting in the living room with a beer in hand, couldn't help but smile at the sounds coming from the kitchen. "Do you need any help?" he called out, though he knew Jack had everything under control.
"No, just relax," Jack replied, his voice coming from the kitchen. "Just enjoy the moment."
When the chutney was ready, Jack served it alongside perfectly grilled lamb chops and a fresh salad. The table was set with care, each detail a reflection of the love Jack felt for Rusty.
"This looks amazing," Rusty said, admiring the food before taking a bite. "And it tastes even better."
Jack sat across from him, his eyes filled with joy as he watched Rusty enjoy every bite. "I'm glad you like it," he said. "I wanted to do something special for you."
Rusty took Jack's hand lovingly, revealing a beautiful engagement ring on one of his slender fingers, pleased to be sharing a beautiful night with his beloved.
The conversation flowed easily between them, each laugh and word a reminder of the deep bond they shared. That night, the food was not just nourishment for the body but also for the soul.
With dinner finished and the dishes cleaned, Jack headed to the bathroom to prepare the next surprise for Rusty. He turned on the tap, adjusting the temperature until the water was perfectly warm, and poured in some of his favorite essential oil, filling the air with a relaxing aroma.
Rusty, who had been lounging on the couch, feeling the food and beer calm his stomach, got up at the sound of running water. "What are you up to now?" he asked with a playful smile.
"Come and see," Jack replied, winking at him.
When Rusty entered the bathroom, he found a scene that seemed like something out of a dream. Candles lit around the bathtub, and the water, adorned with rose petals, invited him to immerse himself and forget about the outside world. "Jack, this is... incredible," Rusty said, his voice full of wonder.
"It's just for you," Jack said, helping Rusty into the tub. "I want you to feel like you're floating among the stars."
Rusty relaxed in the water, every muscle in his body grateful for the warmth and softness. He looked up, where Jack had set up a star projector that filled the ceiling with bright constellations. It was as if the entire universe had decided to visit their small bathroom.
"You always find a way to surprise me," Rusty said, closing his eyes and letting himself be carried away by the experience.
Jack sat on the edge of the tub, watching Rusty with a mixture of love and admiration. "You're my universe, Rusty," he said softly. "And I'll always be here to take care of you."
After the comforting bath, Jack had another form of care prepared for Rusty. With a smile, he took out a soft-bristled brush and approached Rusty, who was already wrapped in a towel, relaxed with his eyes closed.
"What's that?" Rusty asked, feeling the object in Jack's hand.
"It's just a brush," Jack said. "I thought we could try something different tonight. Something gentle and relaxing."
Rusty nodded, intrigued by the idea. He sat on the edge of the bed as Jack began to brush his fur with slow, methodical movements. Each stroke of the brush was like a caress, removing any remaining tension and leaving a feeling of calm.
"This is... nicer than I imagined," Rusty admitted, a smile forming on his lips.
"I'm glad you like it," Jack replied, continuing the brushing. "It's a way of showing you how much you mean to me, without words."
The silence was filled with the soft sound of brushing, and Rusty allowed himself to be carried away by the sensation, allowing himself to enjoy the moment of attention and care. It was a simple gesture but filled with love and meaning.
The room was quiet, except for the gentle sound of Rusty's breathing, now calm and measured. Jack had put away the brush and had joined Rusty in bed, where they cuddled together under the soft sheets.
"Thank you for tonight, Jack," Rusty murmured, his voice full of gratitude. "I didn't realize how much I needed this."
Jack responded with a tender kiss on Rusty's forehead. "I'll always be here to take care of you," he whispered. "You're the most important thing to me."
Rusty turned to face Jack, their eyes meeting in the dim light. "I love you," Rusty said, and Jack felt that those words were the most precious gift he could have received.
"And I love you," Jack replied, before giving Rusty a gentle kiss on the lips, a perfect seal for the end of their day.
They wished each other good night, and as the moon rose in the night sky, Rusty and Jack drifted into a peaceful sleep, knowing that no matter what tomorrow brought, they would face it together.