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Rick was waiting, oh-so patiently as he always did.
That was a lie. He was tapping his foot and fiddling with his clothes and staring very intently out at the ocean, waiting for the boat that would bring Christian to Ponderosa.
He paced back and forth, head snapping up when her heard the splash of water that signified a boat. He couldn't help it, a big grin instantly spread over his face.
"Christian!" He said, out loud, as if the other man could here him.
The boat was coming closer, and he was practically vibrating with joy. Sure, he'd seen Christian, but it was from afar as he watched and silently rooted for his partner. He didn't even care if Christian won or lost, he was so proud of him. And god he missd him.
The others started coming out of the house to meet Christian as well, but he was determined to be the first to hug him. He doubted anyone would argue with him, but he was willing to use some elbows if not.
The boat pulled up to the dock, and he started walking down the pier towards it. He could see Christian's silouhette getting off, and not wanting to wait any longer, he picked up to a pace that was almost a run. Christian spotted him, and his posture changed. He started coming towards Rick too, and they met somewhere in the middle.
Rick pulled him into his arms, enought to lift him off his feet in a big hug. Christian wrapped his arms around Rick too, both of them laughing, and judging by the sniffles, crying a little too.
Rick set him down, and held him at arms length to examine him.
"You need food."
"So much food." Christian agreed, then threw his arms back around the taller man.
"I missed you," He said into Rick's shoulder.
"I missed you to." Tears ran down his cheeks, and he nuzzled into Christian's hair. "I'm so proud of you baby."
He could feel tears dripping onto his shoulder, and he leaned back slightly. He put a hand on both sides of Christian's face.
"Hey, it's okay, alright? I'm so damn proud of you." He repeated fiercly, tone not matching the gentle way he wiped the blue-eyed man's tears.
"Now lets get you some food." Christian gave a watery laugh and nodded. Rick put and arm around him and they walked back down to the house, where everyone else greeted the newest member of the jury and ponderosa. He stuck close to Rick's side the whole time, though.
Once they got inside, he ordered practically a feast of food, stomach growling. Rick sat beside him, rubbing his back gently while he put down food. He had a soft adoring look on his face that filled Christian with butterflies.
When he slowed down and took a break, Rick handed him a napkin.
"I love you." He said sweetly, taking his hand.
He buffered for a second
"I love you too." Christian said, tears threatening to spill again. He laid his head against Rick's shoulder. "I love you so damn much."
That night, after Christian had showered and felt mostly human again, the two crawled into the same bed. The soft, fluffy blankets and thick comforter were almost foreign to him, that he took a second to just flop and sigh deeply.
"Ohh I missed this." He wiggled under the blankets and to Rick's side. Rick kissed the top of his head.
"Yeah I know how you feel. It's a complete 180 from hard bamboo and sand."
"Mhm." Christian murmured in agreement, nuzzling into his chest.
Rick played with his hair, lightly scratching his scalp.
"G'night." He said quietly.
"Night," The other murmured. "Love you." He could feel Christian smiling into his chest, and couldn't help smiling too.
"Love you too." He replied happily.
He sighed. Fluffy blankets and showers were nothing compared to this. He had missed those. But he had longed for this. Missed it so badly that it was like a breath of air after being held under water.
That was his final thought before drifting into sleep beside Christian, hand still tangled in his hair.