He looked at the door hesitantly. As childish as it was, he wanted to run away and come up with a lame excuse but of course he didn't do that, instead he knocked on the dark polished wood. It was almost 6 PM, one of his rare days off and here he was standing – outside Christophe's apartment, just because the man asked him to. He wanted to convince himself it was because he had no other friends but deep inside he knew that was untrue and it was merely because he wanted to spend some time with the skater. The door opened and Chris smiled brightly before saluting and stepping back, letting Angelique move closer and rub herself against the older man's leg, meowing in the process.

"Hello" His voice was hoarse so he cleared his throat before his eyes roamed on Chris's body. He was dressed casually but had an apron with "Sexy Cook" written on that made him look weirdly domestic.

"Dinner is almost ready" He then walked towards what Dorian thought that it was the kitchen. Dinner? He stepped out of his shoes and after he left his jacket at the hanger he followed the man, feeling uneasy. It was easy to find the kitchen because of the delicious smell that made his mouth water and he was surprised to see the room was pretty big and Chris was moving from one place to another hurriedly, avoiding the table that was settled in the middle, covered with a flawless white tablecloth. There were flowers on it, along with two plates and he watched them, feeling his heartbeat increasing. He couldn't remember the last time he took part in such a thing. "I hope lasagna is alright"

He blinked before Chris turned around to force an answer out of his mouth.

"Of course" He was obviously confused so the blonde chuckled and grabbed a bottle of wine along with two glasses and poured some in each before offering one to his manager.

"This is my way of repaying you for a well-done job" He meant the trip to Zurich that went smoothly. "I like to cook – I sometimes cook for Josef too"

"You don't have to repay me, it's my job" Was all that Dorian was able to process and Chris chuckled again.

"What if I want to?" The tone was teasingly and the timer the Swiss set began to ring so he hurried to the oven, grabbing two thick gloves on the way. It looked delicious as he patiently cut generous portions and placed them on the plates, Dorian watching him helpless, not sure what he could do to help. Once Chris sat in front of him he chuckled again, amused by the distressed expression on the man's face. "This is not my plan of seducing you – you can calm down and enjoy the food"

Dorian couldn't understand why he felt disappointed by the clarification.

"Then what is it?"

"A friendly dinner" Chris said, choosing his words carefully. The British man nodded and took the first bite of the food, his eyes widening when it melted on his tongue. It was heavenly – he couldn't remember the last time he ate something this good. He looked almost cartoon-ish so Chris burst into laughter. "How is it?"

"Delicious!" The blonde grinned satisfied and tasted the food himself, content with the dish. "Isn't it curious that even if it's cooked food, the one at the restaurant still tastes different."

"I think it has something to do with the feelings put in it too" Chris commented and Dorian chuckled.

"Cheesy. Do you cook a lot?"

"Only when I have time and I am not too tired. We had a cook in our household and she taught me how to prepare every dish I liked. Ever since I started to live on my own I do it a lot more, don't you?"

"Not really" Dorian could cook – mac and cheese was the best of his cuisine but he could survive with that and take out. His repertoire was far more limited than Christophe's, that was for sure.

"Your wife used to cook for you?" He sighed, aware that the other was very interested in this matter. He decided he might speak now and pass the tens of questions that might have followed. Subtle or not, they were too much for him.

"No, she almost never cooked. We've been married for four years and she only cooked for me on Christmas and on birthdays, I think" He sighed and Chris began to process the information, his eyes fixing Dorian's bored-looking face.

"Four years is a long time"

"Too long but I was young and naive" He knew the Swiss wouldn't ask further. "She took everything for granted" He said that like it was the reason for the divorce so Chris simply nodded, feeling a little guilty for the change in the atmosphere. "I guess you don't think much about marriage" The skater burst into laughter.

"I'm not exactly the marrying type, you see –"

"Obviously"

"Do you think low of me because of that?"

"No, it's a matter of personality. I couldn't have sex without involving feelings" He sipped from his wine and watched Christophe do the same, his lips quirked in a small smile still. "Have you ever had a real relationship?"

"Just one and it was back in high school. I've never been interested in something like that ever since." Dorian raised a brow.

"Has he hurt you hurt that badly?"

"Lack of time, actually. I don't think we should judge opportunities based on past disasters." The British smiled, knowing Chris was subtly signalling him he should move on. Sassy. He poured more wine in his glass and raised it as if he was proposing a toast.

"Let's drink to that"

"Très bien" The blonde winked and just like that, Dorian was hooked. He found himself as he always did when he was around the man, passing a limit that allowed no way back. He relaxed and they began to cheerfully chat, like they were best friends and knew each other ever since the beginning of time. Hours passed by without them realising and soon Dorian checked the time to see it was near midnight and decided it was time for him to go home. He was in high spirits and confident so once they reached the door he had to ask.

"So what were your intentions with me?" He was referring to that night when they kissed.

"You already caught my attention by that night but the booze made it seem like a perfect chance"

"To sleep with me?"

"I don't have one-night stands with people I know beforehand, especially not with people I work with. But I was not necessarily planning our future relationship either, I was simply drawn to you. I had a crush, I guess" The words sounded silly so he laughed lowly at the last part, looking straight into ashy greens. "But you're straight and not interested and I respect that"

Too bad he did because as soon as the conversation started Dorian's heart was ready to run out of his chest and into a marathon. His palms were sweaty and he couldn't get enough of the idea that Chris really liked him.

"I –" Words were failing him. He was dumb; what was he going to say? He decided not to involve himself amorously with anyone after Beatrice and the change was too sudden but that was the way he always was – feeling too much too fast, getting hurt because of that. And still, Chris wasn't the type to play with others' feelings, he was honest and franc. He realised he's been staring in silence for a few minutes now so he straightened his back when he felt Angelique clinging to his pants with small claws.

"Now, now, that's not the way I've raised you" The Swiss muttered sweetly, picking the small pet up to stop her from destroying the clothing.

"Good night! Thank you for the meal!" He managed before getting out the door. He was in the elevator when he hit the button that opened the doors and stepped back in the hall, looking around foolishly. He ran his fingers through his hair nervously before turning a few times around and finally deciding he needed to do something about his feelings. Chris has been nothing but good to him so why not?

The problem was that Chris was the outgoing fun type and he automatically compared him with his ex-wife. But as the younger man said, you couldn't judge people based on other's mistakes. Just because the skater enjoyed himself didn't mean he was going to repeat the history. So he knocked on the door and waited, his knees almost giving out until a confused Chris greeted him.

"Have you forgotten anything?" Dorian shook his head and fixed emerald green eyes. It was his turn to take action so before the other could react their lips smashed together in a barbaric and miscalculated way, teeth colliding. Hot tongues searched for each other and Chris wrapped his arms around the the taller man's neck, holding him long enough to be satisfied by the contact. They were both tasting of wine but he decided Dorian had an overall sweet aroma that was addictive.

When they finally parted, the older man rested his head on the nearest shoulder, taking in the expensive cologne. His mind went blank so he had to take a moment before fear crept inside his bones and he stepped back, hurrying towards the elevator.

Christophe stepped outside to watch the man leaving, breathless and wondering what just happened. He got startled when Angie meowed and grinned widely before picking the cat and heading towards his bedroom. His hands were shaking and he laughed out loud when he realised that, feeling electrified. His first intention was to pick up his phone and called Viktor but he gave up on the idea when he realised he didn't want to share those sweet moments with anyone else in the world.

"I can't make it today" His voice was filled with the discomfort people who couldn't lie experimented. He was acting like a coward. "I feel sick, I don't know what is going on, I might have caught a cold" He wasn't completely lying, he really wasn't feeling well but that was not because of a virus, it was because he couldn't assume his actions and it was way worse. He looked at the raindrops sliding down the window and sighed.

"It's normal, the weather's been changing like crazy lately!" Josef agreed. "Don't worry, Chris will manage by himself today" The man was too nice and Dorian felt a tinge of guilt. They small talked for a bit and then he hung up, heading towards the bathroom where the tub was filled.

If there was a thing he loved to do on a rainy day it was to take a long and warm bath, maybe even read a bit while soaking. He stripped his robe and sat down, making small waves around him and closed his eyes when he felt his entire body relaxing against the hard texture of the tub. He tried to read some from his copy of "Lord Savile's Crime and Other Stories" but gave up after he read the same line five times.

He exhaled loudly and the echo almost startled him. He was scared of what was going on – he was afraid of admitting how smitten he was for Chris but he reached his limit and he couldn't deny it anymore. He couldn't remember the last time someone made him feel so enthusiastic and frightened at the same time but it made him feel crazily alive and he was drunk on the emotion. Christophe has been the only thing omnipresent in his mind all night long – Chris laughing at one of his plain jokes, Chris watching him between unbelievable long eyelashes as he sipped from his frappe, Chris grinning for a picture, Chris winking and including him in every conversation with the people he was working so he wouldn't feel left out, Chris acting like they were the closest friends even they barely knew each other for a couple of months. He had no idea how he was going to do that but he decided he will make it work.

He spent the day lazing around, watching a few old movies and trying to convince himself that he was ready for a change. It's been 2 years, for God's sake! It was around 7 PM when he heard knocks on the door and his interest perked, wondering who in the world was looking for him. His heart began racing as he stepped towards the door but his face fell when he saw there was no skater outside. Instead of a blonde head, a brunette one appeared, bangs contrasting light blue eyes and a too-red lipstick he has been hating all his life. Surprise was a small thing compare to what he was feeling.

"Beatrice? What the -?" He knew that expression, she was looking for compassion. If this would have happened in UK he would have told her to leave but they were in Switzerland.

"Please don't make me leave, I flew all the way here so we could talk" He sighed, his stomach dropping but he stepped aside so she could enter, defeated by the situation. She got her boots off and Dorian watched her slender and feminine figure enter his living room, probably searching around for the proof of a new relationship. "You have a very nice place here"

"Thank you" He said curt and then followed her when she sat on the sofa. "Tell me what do you want"

"You know what I want." Her hand covered his but he withdrew it like burnt. "I want you, Dorian"

"That's not possible. If that's all you have to say I will look for a hotel in which you can spend the night" He got up and turned on his laptop but before he could access it she continued.

"I have no money" He turned around, in disbelief and saw her fists were clenching and unclenching - she was not lying. In that moment the realisation hit him – she didn't look attractive anymore, even if she didn't change at all. He couldn't help himself but compare her to a certain someone and with all her feminine grace and her beautiful features, he would have chosen Chris again and again.

"Only you could do something so reckless" He breathed out, sarcastic and closed his eyes, raising a hand to his forehead, thinking hard about what was to do. He knew what she planned and unfortunately he was very close to offer what she wanted. "I will buy you a plane ticket for tomorrow." He decided. If money was all he took to make her leave, he was willing to sacrifice any amount.

"And where will I spend the night?" He turned around and watched how she innocently played with the hem of her white blouse. Luckily enough he knew to read right through it.

"On my couch, no funny business, though" She nodded and bit her lip as if she was worried. They stood in silence for a long time and Dorian realised how annoyed was only by breathing the same air as her. Of course she would come to ruin the happiness clouding around him, it was exactly her style.

"You're so cold" He laughed sarcastically.

"I don't think that needs any more explanations"

"I've changed" He smirked darkly.

"Beatrice, you can't change even if you wanted to. You probably just broke up with some douchebag" By her expression he knew he was right, not that it was the first time. He had no idea why but the women always came to him after each bad experience – reminding him again and again that she only signed the divorce paper because he asked her to, not because she wanted. Either way, it made no difference.

"I never realised back then just how good you were to me"

"I was not good. I was a fool whom you tricked again and again." He straightened his back and headed towards the kitchen, closely followed by the woman. "I'll prepare dinner now"

Chris's day has been amazing – in fact, he couldn't remember the last time he passed an entire training day without missing a single jump. Jose f and everyone told him he was radiating and he accepted their compliments with a wicked smile that implied more than it was true.

He couldn't believe a simple kiss could make him feel like this. He's been disappointed when Josef told him Dorian wasn't making it today but he decided he shouldn't overthink and instead respect the program the man put together for him, following the steps closely. He was done only around 7 and the first thing he did after he took a shower was to wash the few vegetables he bought on the way home and to prepare the most delicious soup of all times. He wasn't expecting anything, really, he just wanted to see Dorian and make sure he was feeling better.

He sang non-stop during the cooking process and after he was done he put a generous amount in a casserole before calling for a cab. In moments like these he wished he had a car – and a driving licence. He was happy that the soup was still warm when he arrived in front of Dorian's place. He asked his coach for the address but he was nervous because it was the first time he saw the place and he was curious how it looked like. He entered the building and took the elevator to the fourth floor, checking his wristwatch. It was 8:30, early enough to consider this a decent visit. He felt his heart flutter when he knocked on the door and ran his fingers through his curls, making sure he was presentable. His eyes widened when he saw a woman answered instead of Dorian but he smiled politely, thinking he might have got the wrong address.

"Dorian Quinn?"

"He's using the bathroom" She had a thick British accent. "Can I help you?" His eyes roamed across her body, confused and when he realised she was wearing one of Dorian's shirts he almost dropped the soup.

"No, no" His voice sounded weird because he felt like he was choking back tears."Who are you?"

"His wife, Beatrice" She smiled and he felt stupid. In fact, he felt like the dumbest creature on earth.

"Thank you" He wasn't disappointed, he was falling from cloud nine and he felt like he couldn't grasp on anything on the way down. He was feeling like he's been walked on by this secretive man he's been idealising. Dorian played the innocent card while he was two-timing, making a fool out of him and making him believe he really cared. It has been a game all along.

His knuckles whitened because of the force he was holding the casserole with and he turned on his heels before climbing down the stairs, not patient enough to wait for the elevator. He was feeling like bursting anytime and all he knew was that he had to get as far away as possible in the shortest time.

Dorian was washing his hands when he thought he heard voices outside but decided it might be the neighbours; then he got out and saw Beatrice's surprised expression. He knew something was off.

"There's been a weird guy at the door"

"Who gave you the-" He stopped himself, alarmed when he understood who the "weird guy" probably was. "What did you tell him?"

"That you're using the bathroom. He never told me his name, he just left"

"Shit!" Dorian said. He knew there was a big misunderstanding going on, he knew there was something Beatrice said, otherwise Chris wouldn't have left but he had no time to investigate. He hurried outside in his house shoes and closed the door behind him. He heard hurried steps and looked on the spiral staircase to see Chris was on the first floor, running like he's never seen him before. "Chris!" That only made him increase the speed, overtook by the adrenaline so Dorian began running himself, thankful for the resistance he built because of swimming. He caught Chris right before he exited the building. He could barely breathe but he grasped the man's arm, making him drop what he was holding and spread soup all over the cold stone the floor was made of. "Wait!"

"No" Chris looked him, his eyes flooded with unshed tears. "Fuck you"

"I don't know what she told –"

"Oh, she told me enough! You know what? I am sick and tired of you fucking around with my mind"

"Chris!" Dorian insisted and caught the man's fingers when he tried to leave again. Emerald greens fixed his face, waiting. His long lashes were wet and one of them fell and stuck on his cheek when he blinked, his expression pained. Dorian was trying to formulate words when Chris smirked sarcastically, tears cascading his skin.

"Exactly" He said and liberated himself from the hold, trying not to trip as soon as he stepped on the alley. He had no idea where the cab station was so when he felt he was far enough he stopped to sit on a wooden bench in front of a building and tried to cease his tears. He needed a few minutes to regain his breath and stop that stupid crying and when he finally did he chuckled bitterly. Dorian couldn't even explain himself – he skipped the day after they kissed because he regretted it and instead he spent it with his wife or ex-wife or whoever she was. She must've been someone really close to him if she was wearing his clothes. He took his phone out and dialled Josef's number, telling him the name of the street he was on so he could come and pick him up.

He took the passenger seat and tried to act cool but his eyes were red and his face a bit swollen so the bald man sighed, stopping the car and turning towards him.

"What happened, kid?" Chris tried but failed to smile.

"Nothing"

"Christophe..." Josef has never been anything but understanding with him but this time, he felt like he had no energy and there was no point in talking about this. At least not now. All he wanted was to get home and sleep this ache away.

"I don't want to work with Mr. Quinn anymore."

"But you did such a good job together! And you know it's not easy to find a good manage– "

"I promise I won't ask for any other favour ever again" The tone scared the Czech, that's how serious it was so he simply nodded and started the car, deciding it wouldn't be wise to ask for more.

"Okay." In more than half an hour they reached Chris's place and the younger man was ready to leave when he was stopped by a hand grabbing his shoulder and squeezing it compassionately. "Take the day off tomorrow, I will find you a new manager" The blonde nodded and as soon as he got out began to walk fast towards the building, cold air burning his lungs.

A/N: Thank you for reading my story! Feel free to leave reviews if you like it xx