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It was silent in the apartment.
Elton was normally the vibrant din that filled any room he was in with his presence and life. But this day was different; the only sounds heard were the soft hum that came from the television set and the occasional rustle of a blanket being readjusted or moved over slightly.
Kit was stretched out on the couch, leg resting on a pillow stack, ankle wrapped and up. The injury wasn't bad, the doctors had explained, just a nasty sprain, but it was enough to bench him for a couple of weeks. He disliked being out. Restless did not even start to describe it.
Elton had also insisted on staying home. No shows, no traveling, just… him.
Kit had attempted to voice his protests. "You don't have to baby-sit me," he had muttered in frustration when Elton had taken it upon himself to open his bag and, with a flourish, had emptied it, spilling the contents onto the floor.
"I want to babysit you," Elton had answered flirtatiously, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he delivered a sly wink. "And besides, who else is going to ensure that you don't go off and attempt to do something idiotic like wrestle the kettle?"
Now, a few days in, Kit could not help but feel grateful. He did not have to say that to Elton. Elton was already aware.
Elton padded in from the kitchen on bare feet with a steaming mug in his hand. It was the big 'TAG CHAMP' mug that he had specifically purchased for Kit as a celebratory gift after they had won their first-ever title. He sat down next to the sofa with extreme caution, taking great care not to jar anything, and then leaned forward just a little bit further as he blew gently across the surface of the hot liquid to cool it down slightly.
"Tea. Not too hot. Just the way you like it. Am I the best boyfriend or what?"
Kit grinned, eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're alright, I guess.".
"How rude." Elton placed the mug on the table slowly, the gentle clink contrasting with the sharp tone of his voice, and leaned into Kit, gently kissing his forehead first, then continuing to kiss his cheek, and finally giving the tip of his nose a gentle peck. "You hurt me so badly with your words."
"You're being dramatic."
"Part of the charm."
Elton sat down beside him carefully, taking the time to sit in a way that allowed Kit to be able to lie out without accidentally knocking his ankle as he did so. As he got comfortable, Kit instinctively shifted in closer, his head on Elton's chest, finding solace in the warmth of their connection. A contented sigh slipped from him as Elton's arms wrapped around his shoulders with tender care, warmth and security that surrounded him completely.
"I've missed this," Kit said softly. "Just… being.
"You have been out for one week."
"Yeah. But it feels like longer."
Elton planted a kiss in his hair. "I know. Wrestling's our thing. But you don't have to prove anything. You're allowed to rest."
Kit quietly sang a tune, his fingers gently curling into the fabric of Elton's shirt. "I don't really like just sitting around and doing nothing."
"Done nothing?" Elton said with a playful smile. "You've already rearranged the kitchen cabinets twice, attempted to scrub the bathroom while still on crutches for support, and begun a jigsaw puzzle that you actually despise."
Kit made a low laugh that sounded against him, a pleasant noise that hummed through Elton's chest, making him feel warm inside.
"Are you really not upset that I asked you to stay home with me?" Kit said, his voice considerably softer now. The slight vulnerability that slipped into his voice was something not often heard, and Elton recognised the significance of the moment.
"Mad?" Elton echoed with a hint of disbelief. "Kit, I chose to be here now at this time. It was my decision, and I wanted to be here with you. I get the wonderful luxury to pamper you, to bring you your favourite snacks. I can rub your shoulders and work you into relaxation. And I can steal sweet kisses from you when you are attempting to sleep. This is truly a dream come true for me."
Kit grinned. "You're soft."
"Just for you."
Elton shifted again, a small, subtle movement, in order to be able to press his lips to leave a soft, tender kiss on Kit's. It was soft and delicate, a light touch. Kit kissed him back, his fingers moving up to gently cup Elton's jaw, adding another layer of intimacy between them.
"I love you," Kit whispered softly, the moment they finally broke apart from their embrace.
Elton grinned, his face lighting up with a smile. "Oh really? Are you actually saying that, or is it because I just happened to bring you some tea?"
"I guess we will never know."
They both laughed.
Eventually, Kit's head found its way back into the familiar warmth of Elton's chest, his breathing gradually slowing and becoming more even. Elton had one arm securely around him, while his other arm hung loosely, his hand idly stroking the back of Kit with gentle and reassuring movements that said everything.
He could feel Kit's body slowly start to let go of its stiffness, as the persistent tension he always seemed to carry, started to melt away under the effects of the calming touch and the peaceful comfort that enveloped them both.
"You make this easier," Kit muttered, half-lidded eyes.
"Elton Prince: human painkiller," Elton boasted in mock-pride.
Kit let out a soft breath, sleepy and smiling. "Stay here?"
"Forever."
They sat there in that comfortable sprawl for a long stretch of time, well into the mid-afternoon.
Behind them, the television continued to run, providing a sort of background soundtrack, showing some old game highlights neither of them was actively watching or paying any real attention to at all.
Outside of their little nest, the sky was gray and dreary, full of thick clouds that hung in the air above. But in their small corner of the universe, snuggled up warm in a soft blanket and sitting together on a couch that was perhaps just a bit too small for the pair of them, all was cozy and secure and strangely still.
Kit shifted himself away a little, a slight grimace crossing his face as his ankle twinged.
Noticing this, Elton moved himself into a more comfortable position, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on Kit's temple while gently whispering, "Easy. I've got you."
And he did.
Always would.