Chapter Text
Verlaine was finishing off some of his birthday cake while listening to Chuuya argue with dazai over the phone in his room.Rimbaud sipped some wine, looking at Verlaine as he leaned against the back of the couch with a relaxed expression.
"Are you enjoying the cake,mon chére?"Rimbaud spoke softly as to not disturb the sleeping puppy in his lap.
Verlaine attempts to speak with his mouth full of cake.Rimbaud smiled, tilting his head slightly in amusement.
"Swallow before speaking."He reminded the man sitting next to him.
Verlaine nods and swallows the food in his mouth.Rimbaud reaches over, setting his glass down on the coffee table as he lightly pinches Verlaine's icing-covered cheek.
"You're making a mess,you know."He says teasingly.
“Would you stop th-“ He got cut off by Chuuya yelling.
“HOW DO YOU FUCK UP PASTA U STUPID MORON”
Verlaine got up,put his slice of cake on the kitchen counter so the puppy couldn’t eat it and walked to Chuuya's room knocking on the door.Chuuya, who was in the middle of arguing with Dazai, stopped abruptly when he heard the knock at the door.
"Come in!"
He yelled out, still annoyed and frustrated from the previous argument.Verlaine opened the door and stood in the doorway.
“Chuuya stop shouting it’s late either get off the phone and go to bed or be quiet.” He spoke sternly.Chuuya huffed, rolling his eyes slightly.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever."
Dazai's voice suddenly came through the phone.
"Don't be mean to Chuuya"
Verlaine frowned; he was never fond of Dazai much at all.
“It’s late, you need to sleep Chuuya,” no
Verlaine lightly scolded.
Chuuya grumbled in response, but he knew he had to start getting ready for bed.
"Tch. Yeah, yeah, I'll go to bed now. Good night." He said, shooting a glare in Verlaine's direction.
“don’t look at me like that, I just don’t want you to be grouchy in the morning. Good night” Verlaine said as he shut the door.
Chuuya muttered a few words back, something that sounded like a grumbled "Whatever" before the door was shut.
Verlaine walked back into the living room, finding Rimbaud watching television and holding the puppy in his lap.
Verlaine grabs his cake that still has cake on it and a dog treat and sits on the couch.Rimbaud glanced at Verlaine as he sat next to him on the couch.
"You're spoiling the puppy again."
He said, gesturing to the puppy on his lap. Despite his words, he watched with a hint of amusement as Verlaine fed the puppy a treat.
“I’m not spoiling him, he's being a good dog and not begging” Verlaine replied with a slightly sour expression as the dog ate the treat out of his hand and got some of the crumbs of the dog treat on his piece of cake.
"He literally got crumbs on your cake."
Rimbaud pointed out, gesturing to the cake in Verlaine's hand. He chuckled softly, watching the puppy in his own lap nuzzle against his stomach.
“And I’m still LITERALLY going to eat it” He said confidently.
Verlaine took a bite and made a disgusted face and put the plate on the end table.Rimbaud found Verlaine's reaction a little too amusing.
"Why do you look like you're about to throw up?" He lightly teased.
Verlaine picks up the gun on the side table and puts it up to Rimbaud’s head.
“Stop teasing me, it's not funny” Verlaine says giggling trying to sound serious.
Rimbaud's smile widened, and he raised his hands up in surrender, his eyes flickering with amusement.
"Alright, alright, I'll stop."He said, his voice slightly teasing before he glanced at the gun.
Then, he looked back at Verlaine with a raised eyebrow, still appearing unfazed by the threat
"I was just teasing, mon chére.that’s loaded you know"He spoke, trying to calm the puppy in his lap, who started to grow more restless from the gun.the puppy in his lap letting out a small yap at the sight of the gun.
“I know that’s the point” Verlaine spoke bluntly.
Rimbaud's expression changed from amused to somewhat playful as his smirk grew.
"Oh, you do, do you?"
He reached out, slowly wrapping his fingers around the gun, his eyes locked on Verlaine's.He gently pulled the gun away from his head.
"Are you going to shoot me,then?"A hint of a challenge in his words.
“I wouldn’t want to startle Chuuya.” Verlaine spoke
“Or the puppy,” Verlaine said, glancing at the dog that was semi-riled up before looking up at the bathroom door, a small light coming from under the door as Chuuya was brushing his teeth.
Rimbaud chuckled, setting the gun back down on the side table.
"How thoughtful of you." He spoke in a playful, sarcastic tone.
He then ran his fingers through the fur of the puppy in his lap, who had become a little startled by the sudden threat but was now settling back down.
“Oh hush” Verlaine said as gave the puppy a treat.
Rimbaud smiled slightly as he watched Verlaine give the dog a treat, shaking his head lightly.
"You really do spoil that puppy, You're going to make him obese one day." Rimbaud pointed out his words with a hint of amusement, his fingers still stroking the dog’s soft fur.
He glanced at Verlaine before speaking again.Rimbaud leaned back on the couch, his eyes following Verlaine's movements.He ran his fingers mindlessly through the puppy's soft fur.
“I am SO not spoiling him, he's being a good boy, isn't that right, nugget” Verlaine said sarcastically and scratched the back of the dog's ears.
Rimbaud chuckled again, the nickname "Nugget" for the puppy sounding almost funny, yet somewhat fitting.He watched as the dog licked at Verlaine's hand, clearly enjoying the attention and treats he was getting.Rimbaud raised an eyebrow, watching Verlaine shower the dog with affection.
"You do realize he can't understand you, right?" He said, still unable to suppress the hint of amusement in his voice.
“Yes he can, can’t u” Verlaine spoke enthusiastically to the puppy scratching the shiba inu puppy’s back.
The puppy barked in response, as if replying to Verlaine, and Rimbaud shook his head, an amused smile still on his lips
"I'm telling you, he doesn't understand you."He said, clearly trying to reason with Verlaine.Even though Verlaine was convinced the puppy did understand every word he said.
“Don’t argue with me” Verlaine waved a finger in Rimbaud's face.
Rimbaud caught Verlaine's finger between his fingers, holding it playfully.
"I'm not arguing, I'm just trying to make you see the reason." He said, his eyes meeting Verlaine's, as he let go of Verlaine’s finger.
"This little puppy can't understand everything you say—no matter how much you claim so"Rimbaud said, scratching behind the dog’s ears.
“Yes he can watch,do u wanna go sleep with chuuya” Verlaine spoke confidently.
The puppy gave a small bark and looked at Verlaine excitedly.
“Alright, I withdraw my words.”Rimbaud said, his tone still light and teasing.He reached out to rub the puppy’s head.
"It seems like you're right,after all.” He spoke again.
“Come on little nugget I’ll let you in with chuuya.” Verlaine spoke to the dog as he got up from the couch.
The puppy hopped down from Rimbaud's lap and excitedly padded by Verlaine's side, excitedly wagging his tail. Rimbaud watched Verlaine lead the little puppy to Chuuya's room and knock on the door
“Chuuya your dog wants to sleep with you”Verlaine spoke softly as to not disturb chuuya if he was already asleep.
Chuuya, who was in the process of getting ready to crawl into bed, heard Verlaine's voice at the door.
"Yeah, yeah, sure." His expression slightly softened as he spoke.
He opened the door and looked up at Verlaine, his eyes falling onto the puppy that was practically jumping up at his legs.
"C’mere nugget"He talked to the dog in a baby voice.
Chuuya crouched down and picked up the puppy, who was now excitedly licking his face.
"Alright, alright, down."
He scolded without any real harshness, but he was clearly amused at the puppy's energetic behavior. Chuuya carried the puppy to his bed and set him down. The puppy immediately hopped onto the bed and curled up in a ball of fluff next to Chuuya's legs, tail wagging.
“Yeah, yeah, alright.”
Chuuya replied, already getting comfortable in bed. The puppy, too, settled down as well, snuggling close to Chuuya. Chuuya giggles, reaching down and patting the puppy's head as Verlaine closes the door.Verlaine mumbles to himself as he shuts Chuuya’s door.Rimbaud, who had been watching Verlaine with a smile, raised an eyebrow slightly
“What was that?”He asked, still sitting on the sofa.
He patted the spot next to him on the couch, signaling for Verlaine to sit back down
“Give me a second, I'm grabbing a drink.” Verlaine said.
He opened a bottle of Domaine De La Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 1945 pouring some in a wine glass.Rimbaud smiled slightly, watching Verlaine pour the wine. He leaned back on the couch, his eyes following Verlaine's movement.
"Fancy choice." He said.
He clearly was not surprised that Verlaine would choose such an expensive bottle of wine. He always had a particular taste for fine wine.Verlaine walks back into the living room and sits on the couch sitting with one leg over the other.
"You seem to really enjoy treating yourself with expensive things." He spoke, looking at the wine glass in Verlaine's hand.
“If I have the money for it, why not?”Verlaine says bluntly.
Rimbaud laughs, a soft smile on his lips.
“Fair point.”He said, his eyes flickering to the wine glass.
“You’re gonna share some of that, I hope?”He asked, leaning slightly on Verlaine’s shoulder.
“Go pour some yourself, you're not drinking mine” Verlaine said as he pulled his glass away.
“So stingy.” He pouted dramatically.
But he got up from the couch, walking over to the wine cellar to pour himself a glass. He picked a random wine glass and poured himself some wine. He walked back to the couch and sat back down, his leg brushing against Verlaine’s.Rimbaud took a sip from his wine, the taste of it pleasantly sharp and slightly bitter. He glanced at Verlaine out of the corner of his eye, his gaze flickering over Verlaine’s form.Verlaine’s leg pressed against Rimbaud’s, the slight weight of it both familiar and comforting.The way Verlaine’s hair fell over his eye, partially obscuring his face.His expression remained neutral, but there was a hint of amusement in his voice as he spoke again.
“You’re in a good mood tonight.”
“You said it’s my birthday and brought me cake so I have to be in a good mood. The cake was delicious,” Verlaine said.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Rimbaud said, sipping his wine.
Verlaine pouts as he drank the rest of his wine.Rimbaud's smirk widened slightly, and he reached out, his fingers gently touching Verlaine's cheek. He let his fingers linger there, the skin of Verlaine's cheek warm and soft beneath his touch.
"Don't pout." He spoke, the words coming out as a light tease. He leaned in a little closer.
"It's not a good look on you mon amour" He said.
Verlaine smiles softly and then laughs.The sight of Verlaine's soft smile and laughter made Rimbaud's heart skip a beat. The sound of Verlaine's laughter was something he rarely heard and Rimbaud felt a surge of affection for the man sitting next to him.He chuckled softly, his fingers still lingering on Verlaine's cheek. He studied the man's smile, his eyes tracing over the soft curves of his lips.
"There's that smile I love." Rimbaud said, his words coming out in a low murmur.
Rimbaud noticed the faint blush on Verlaine's cheeks, the sight almost making him smile.He let his fingers run gently over Verlaine's flushed cheeks, his touch tender and affectionate.
“Stop that.” Verlaine giggles.
Rimbaud smiles at Verlaine's reaction, his heart swelling with affection. The sound of Verlaine's giggle only made the feeling stronger. He moved his hand from Verlaine’s chin to his hair, running his fingers through the silky strands.
"Stop what?"He asked, trying to sound innocent, his smile turning more teasing.
“Never mind…” He said softly, leaning into the touch.
Rimbaud smiled, his fingers continuing to run through Verlaine's hair. He lightly tugged a strand, Verlaine flinched. Rimbaud eyes watching Verlaine's face with a warm, affectionate expression.
"You're too easy to tease."He said, his voice a little softer now. He moved a little closer, their faces just inches apart.
"I do like seeing you blush. You look beautiful when you do." He spoke tilting his head, smiling softly.
“you’re a tease,”Verlaine said.
Verlaine moved his head in the other direction and pulled his legs up to hide his head in his knees. Rimbaud softly laughed, shaking his head at Verlaine's reaction. He moved a hand to gently lay on Verlaine's head, his fingers combing through the strands of Verlaine's hair.
"Don't hide your face, now. I was enjoying the view."He teased playfully, a hint of amusement in his voice.
He ran his fingers through Verlaine’s hair, trying to coax him to lift up his head.Verlaine looked up a little, most of his face still hidden in his knees. He was looking at the burning fire in their fireplace. Rimbaud noticed how Verlaine was still hiding his face into his knees and pouted.He shifted slightly on the couch, his knee gently brushing against Verlaine's leg.
"Come on, no more hiding."He said, still pouting ,reaching out to gently coax Verlaine out of hiding.
Rimbaud let out a soft grunt when Verlaine kicked his leg. He laughs and leans back slightly, giving Verlaine a little space.
"Ah, now that's just rude."He said, pretending to be offended,but there was some playfulness in his voice.
He leaned back against the couch, still looking at Verlaine with a smile on his face.Verlaine looks up and grabs the remote of the side table turning on the flat screen TV. Rimbaud watches as Verlaine leans over to grab the TV remote, a smile still on his lips. He takes a sip of his nearly empty wine glass as he watches the television cast a soft, flickering light. Rimbaud sets the empty glass back down on the coffee table.
"Anything in particular you want to watch?" Rimbaud said curiously.
“A baking show or something,” Verlaine replied.
The thought of watching a baking show didn’t really strike any interest in Rimbaud. He preferred action and drama, not people making cakes and pastries.His fingers reached over to pick up the remote. He flicks through the channels until they find a baking show, and he sets the remote back down, leaning back against the couch again.Verlaine heard a noise and turned his body to be able to see behind the couch. He looks down the hallway and he sees Nugget using his nose to open Chuuya's door a little wider,it was already cracked open a bit by Verlaine so the puppy could get out if needed. Nugget trotted out the room and into the kitchen the sounds of Nugget drinking water were quiet then the dog trotted back into Chuuya's room.Velaine shifted so he was sitting how he was sitting before.Verlaine fixed the blanket so it was draped over both of them nicely.Rimbaud watched as Verlaine adjusted the blanket to cover both of them, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He moved a hand to pull the blanket further up, making sure that it was completely covering himself. He then leaned back against the couch, their bodies still close and pressed against each other.The warmth of Verlaine's body against his own was comforting, and he couldn't help but relish in the feeling of cold.
“Still cold?” Verlaine asked bluntly.
"Always. You know that."He answered, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.
He leaned a bit closer, the warmth of Verlaine's body against his side providing a sense of comfort and familiarity. He reached out and tucked the blanket further up, making sure that it was covering both of them more securely.
“Do u want a hot pack?” Verlaine asked
"You always take such good care of me." He teased lightly.
He considered the offer for a moment, his eyes flickering to Verlaine’s face. He was, as always, a bit cold and a hot pack sounded nice.
"Sure, if you don’t mind getting it for me."Rimbaud says.
Verlaine gets up and walks into the hallway stopping at a small closet and pulls out a wooden box, shifting through the box that was full out heating pads,hot packs,hand warmers, all stuff to keep you warm. Verlaine grabs a hot pack and pulls a hot pack out and grabs a extra one just in case he puts the box back and shuts the closet door and walks back to the couch.Verlaine pops the hot pack to get it working and waits for it to warm up a bit and hands it to Rimbaud.Rimbaud reaches out to take it,his hand got stuck in the blanket he shook his head to get it loose.
"Thanks, ma chérie."He says, his voice soft.
He takes the hot pack and holds it against his stomach.
“You're welcome,” Verlaine says, turning his attention back to the TV.
Rimbaud smiles, cradling the hot pack against his stomach. The heat from the hot pack immediately starts to warm him up, and he feels a sense of relief spread through his body.
"Feels good."He says, his voice a bit quieter now.
He looks over at Verlaine, his eyes tracing over the man’s face.Verlaine looks at him with a face of annoyance.
“You’re being too loud, I can't hear the TV.” Verlaine spoke bluntly.
“Oh, am I being too loud for you?" He teases, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.
He leans back against the couch, the hot pack still held against his stomach
"Sorry, I'll try to keep it down while you watch your dumb little baking show."
Rimbaud spoke quietly.
“It’s not dumb” Verlaine said, sounding somewhat offended.
Rimbaud laughs softly at Verlaine's reaction, his smirk widening. He enjoys the way Verlaine gets defensive over the show.
"Alright, alright, it's not dumb. I'll admit, it's not as dumb as some of those reality TV shows you like to watch."He says, his voice still carrying a hint of teasing but also a bit softer, knowing that Verlaine takes his little baking shows seriously.
“Those aren’t dumb either, they have a plot and they’re funny.Stop making fun of my shows.” Verlaine pouted.
"Oh, come on, Verlaine. You know I'm just teasing. But can you honestly call those reality TV shows "funny?" I mean, half the time they're just filled with drama and bickering."He said.
“That’s what’s fun about them u get to watch them fight both physically and verbally it’s so funny.” Verlaine spoke.
Rimbaud let out a soft laugh, shaking his head at Verlaine’s response.
"You have such a strange sense of humor."Rimbaud said, still a hint of teasing in his voice but also a bit of affection.
He couldn’t help but find it cute that Verlaine enjoyed watching people fight on TV
"So as long as there’s some sort of bickering and someone getting angry, you’re entertained. Is that it?" Rimbaud said jokingly.
“Basically” Verlaine spoke but his interest was clearly on the person baking cake pops on the TV. Rimbaud saw that one of the people in the show was making cake pops and how intrigued Verlaine was by them.
"Cake pops, huh? Are you thinking about trying to make some cake pops yourself?"He said turning back to Verlaine with a small smirk as he spoke.
“Mhm.I wanna ask Chuuya in the morning if he will make some with me when he gets home from school in the afternoon.” Verlaine spoke with a sparkle in his eyes.
Rimbaud laughed at Verlaine’s eagerness, his heart warming slightly at the sight of the sparkle in Verlaine’s eye. He could see how excited Verlaine was at the idea of baking cake pops with Chuuya.
"Ah, so you’re planning a little baking project with Chuuya, huh? I’m sure he’ll be overjoyed to hear about it."He said.
Rimbaud smiles softly at Verlaine’s excited expression, his eyes glaze over the clock above the TV 12:45 am.They should probably get to sleep or at least he should get to sleep so he can be up at the right time tomorrow.Verlaine watched the TV his gaze switched back and forth between the TV and Rimbaud making sure he was alright and not getting to cold.He popped the extra hot pack letting it warm up and handing it to Rimbaud.Rimbaud smiled as Verlaine handed him the extra hot pack. He took the hot pack from Verlaine, the heat from it immediately seeping through his shirt and warming his skin.
"Thanks,"He said, his voice a bit softer now. He held the hot pack against his stomach, the heat comforting against his cold skin.
Verlaine yawns softly as a new episode begins on the TV.Rimbaud notices Verlaine’s yawn, a small smile forming on his lips at the sight. He knew Verlaine was most likely sleepy and the yawn confirmed it.
"Getting tired?"Rimbaud asked, his voice soft. He shifted slightly, his body moving closer to Verlaine’s, unconsciously seeking his warmth.
“Should we head to bed?” Rimbaud spoke again.
“Sure,” Verlaine replied.
Verlaine turns off the TV and stands up stretching.Rimbaud watches as Verlaine shuts off the TV, his eyes drifting over Verlaine’s form as he stretches. He too stands up, holding the hot pack in his hand.Verlaine walks to the master bedroom with Rimbaud falling right behind and into the bathroom that was connected to the bedroom pulling out his toothbrush and handing Rimbaud his own toothbrush that was in the cup.
“Brush your teeth, your breath stinks.” Verlaine spoke bluntly.
"Wow, thanks. You sure know how to make me feel special." Rimbaud said, an amused smile on his face as he accepted his toothbrush.
He put some toothpaste on his brush and started brushing his teeth.
"You know, you could work on your bedside manner." Rimbaud spoke softly.
“No I don't,” Verlaine said tilting his head.
Rimbaud chuckles , shaking his head at Verlaine's response. He rolls his eyes slightly, continuing to brush his teeth
"Of course. How could I forget? You prefer the blunt, straight-to-the-point approach."He pauses for a moment, spitting into the sink
Verlaine finishes brushing his teeth and walks into the walk-in closet grabbing him and Rimbaud pajamas he throws the pajamas and Rimbaud.Rimbaud watches as Verlaine walks into the closet, returning a moment later with pajamas in hand.He catches the clothes as Verlaine throws them at him. He starts to change, slipping his shirt off and replacing it with the pajamas. He changed his pants as well, putting on the pajama bottoms.Verlaine started to change as well he wore black silk pajamas with white stripes he undoes his hair and lets it run down his back.Rimbaud watches as Verlaine changes into his pajamas, his gaze lingering on the sight of Verlaine’s hair falling past his shoulders. He couldn’t help but admire the way the silk pajamas hugged Verlaine's form. Once Verlaine was done changing, Rimbaud spoke up, his voice soft.
"You always look good in those silk pajamas." Rimbaud spoke.
“I know that’s why I bought them,” Verlaine said bluntly.
"Ahh, so you bought them to look good on purpose. I should have known."He teases, his tone light and playful as he speaks. He steps closer to Verlaine.
Verlaine climbs into bed and pulls the blankets up and turns the bedside lamp off.Rimbaud gets into bed as well, settling in next to Verlaine. He watches as Verlaine turns off the bedside lamp, casting the room in darkness. The only light comes from a sliver of moon peeking through the curtains, casting a weak beam across the bedding. He instinctively moves closer to Verlaine, seeking his warmth and presence in the dark room.Rimbaud wrapped his arms around Verlaine, pulling him closer. He buried his face into Verlaine's shoulder, inhaling the familiar scent of his partner. The warmth from Verlaine's body seeped into him, the heat spreading throughout his body. Rimbaud closed his eyes, feeling a sense of comfort and security in Verlaine's embrace.Rimbaud felt Verlaine snuggle closer to him, the feeling of Verlaine's head against his chest making him smile. He starts running his hand up and down Verlaine's back, tracing his fingers lightly over the fabric of Verlaine's pajamas. The gesture is comforting and soothing, a way to ease the weariness from within himself.Rimbaud continues to run his hand up and down Verlaine's back, his own eyes growing heavy as time passes. He listens to the steady sound of Verlaine's breathing, the rise and fall of his chest a comforting rhythm. Eventually, Rimbaud's eyelids droop, and he drifts off to sleep, still holding Verlaine close to him.