Work Text:
Tiger hadn't played raindrops racing in years. He used to play it in class with his friends on rainy days when everything was hazy and boring. The cafe was closed, it was raining heavily outside and the cats were curled up around the window watching the pitter patter of the rain.
Tiger chose the attic room for himself so he could have the big sloping window right above the bed. It was cramped but also cozy with a wonderful view. He also maybe wanted Lynx to feel comfortable in his own home. It hasn't happened yet but Tiger was hopeful. The young man was rightfully upset with the whole another family thing but Tiger hoped it would just be a little hiccup. The brother, Leo, was sleeping on the couch and Lynx had fallen asleep on the table where they had been talking for hours. Lynx looked so young and vulnerable with his head tucked in the crook of his elbow. Tiger didn't have the heart to wake him up. He had gently scooped up Lynx and tucked him into bed. There were tear tracks on Lynx's cheeks that looked so much like the raindrops above. Tiger ached to wipe them away and sooth his pain but that would go beyond business partners and he was loathe to add to Lynx's worries.
"Mine won." One of the cats shouted. The others meowed their dissent.
"Tiger who won?"
"Uhh guys I don't know who had which drop." Raindrops racing was simple- you sit in front of a window during rain, you choose your fav raindrop at the top of the window and cheer it on as it drips down.
A chaos of meows echoed through the house as the cats argued about which raindrop won. Tiger let them shout, this was common enough that Lynx was used to it. He heard the telltale creaks of Lynx's bed as he shifted. The house and cafe were old, maybe he should check the budget to get Lynx a new bed. Tiger made a note of it in his head.
"This time I'm taking the one on the right."
"I'm taking the big one in the middle."
"I am taking this little one right at the top." Tiger pointed. The raindrops were already zooming down and cats and Tiger spent a few minutes cheering their drops on.
Tiger lost spectacularly and took that loss with grace. He streched and pulled the blankets closer. The thunderstom had quieted a lot in the last few minutes. The rain was now a pleasant drizzle and the soft patter of it was lulling him into a gentle sleep.
"Uhh where's that annoying kid going?" One of the cats called from the window. Tiger hoped that Leo had packed up and left, realising his mistake in coming here to claim the cafe.
The hope blooming in his heart collapsed as he saw the familiar silhouette leaving the house with a bag on his shoulder.
"Lynx!" He ran down, uncaring of his thundering footsteps.
"Lynx, wait up! You can't just leave."
"Why do you care? My mother didn't! She wanted some stranger's kid to have her cafe. She loved him more than me." Lynx's face was red. Tiger realised the pain went much deeper than just losing the cafe. He approached Lynx slowly, hands outstretched so Lynx can see his intention clearly.
"You are so so loved, Lynx. Your mother loved you very much." Tiger took Lynx's hand in his and gently rubbed circles on his wrist. "The cats here always tell me how much she talked about you. All you have to do is listen and befriend the cats."
Lynx scoffed. "They don't love me either."
"They do. They are just wary of you selling this place and leaving them behind. They are as scared of being alone and without their home as you are, Lynx." Lynx's breath hitched and Tiger ached to hold him.
The rain was soaking through their shirts. Lynx was wearing a jacket but Tiger was in his pajamas. The thin shirt did nothing to help him as he shivered involuntarily. Lynx absentmindedly slid his hand up Tiger's arm and carassed his back, sending warmth pooling into Tiger's belly.
"I will be lost too with you gone. They all love you and want you here, Lynx." Tiger stepped closer and wiped the tears away from Lynx's eyes.
"Someone like me is worthy of love?"
"Of course, even I love you." It was the easiest thing in the world to say.
After everything they had been through from taking over the cafe together, figuring out how to run it, how to make the many orders, how to manage the finances, how to entertain the customers, how to keep the cats happy, and most of all how easily and quickly they fit into each other's lives. They moved in tandem in the kitchen, their banter over breakfast preparation, their laughs echoing in the morning quiet, their gazes meeting during the nightly shutting down, to their fingers intertwined as they pet the cats, their gazes lingering on each other's lips as they sipped coffee, and their smiles growing warm and voices soft as they greeted each other at the beginning and end of every day. Tiger had fallen in love slowly and gently just like his lazy little raindrop uncaring of the race taking its time to trace the path but somewhere on the way picking up a fellow drop to dance with.
Lynx's eyes widened and Tiger's heart leapt at the tearful and hopeful smile that built on Lynx's face. It was so so fragile. He cupped Lynx's cheek reverently, terrified and excited, Lynx closed his eyes and leaned into Tiger's hand.
Tiger leaned closer, nudging Lynx's nose with his, silently asking for permission. Lynx tilted his head up, closing his eyes, parting his lips with a smile inviting Tiger in. Tiger closed the distance between them as the rain ran rivulets on his back sending cold shivers up his spine, warmth from Lynx's lips fought back driving it away. There was salt from tears on Lynx's lips but it washed away with the rain. Lynx tasted like warmth, coffee, and rain. Tiger couldn't get enough. Apparently Lynx felt the same. He pulled on Tiger's hair, deepening the kiss. Lynx's tongue was a revelation. Tiger was lost in the heat of the kiss, making noises he hadn't since he was a hormonal teenager. Lynx smiled at the moaning, breaking the kiss.
"You love me." Lynx said with awe, eyes shining.
"I love you." Tiger assured with a kiss to Lynx's cheek. "I love you." He kissed Lynx's other cheek. "I love you." He kissed Lynx's forehead. "I love you." He kissed Lynx's nose.
"I..."
"I love you too." Lynx interrupted him and kissed his lips again.
They pulled apart reluctantly when their teeth began chattering. Lynx didn't let go of Tiger's hand to even grab the towel so they dried each other's hair with one of their hands held between them. Tiger borrowed Lynx's shirt and Lynx watched Tiger change with barely concealed desire. Tiger felt his blush rising when Lynx stripped but they were in no hurry. He was just content to watch the sharp angles of Lynx's body this time. They had all the time in the world for more later.
***
Leo was still there the next morning but something had changed with Lynx. He woke up before Tiger and had already set out the food for the cats. He was making breakfast when Tiger entered the kitchen. The soft morning sunlight was just breaking in through the clouds and lit Lynx in a golden halo. Tiger stood stunned watching this vision.
"What are you staring at?" Lynx greeted him with a smile and a kiss and turned back to the stove to finish cooking.
"You are beautiful." Tiger hugged Lynx from behind, peppering his neck and back with kisses. Lynx giggled and tilted his neck to the side to give Tiger better access which Tiger took full advantage of. Lynx's giggles soon turned into moans as Tiger nipped at his neck and soothed the red skin with his tongue.
"Breakfast is burnt." Leo was at the door. Tiger and Lynx parted slowly.
"There's enough for all of us." Lynx declared. Tiger noticed that he had placed three plates already. Leo seemed to have noticed it too. His scowl softened and he mumbled a quick thank you before sitting down to eat. Tiger fetched them all some coffee and joined the table.
There was a long way to go for them to finish their race but Tiger was in no hurry. He was happy to slow dance with Lynx to the finish line.