"Thomas put that down!"

"Thomas stop it!"

"Thomas get out the alcohol cupboard! - on second thoughts bring me one of those bottles that look like it's filled with water k?"

He'd only had him two or so hours and he was beat already. Slumping himself on the couch Tala pulled out his phone looking to order some food in.

"How does pizza sound Tommy?" He called down to the boy sat on the floor currently being entertained by something on TV.

"Mhmm." Thomas sent back in a hum, too engrossed in the TV to answer properly. Not to mention, he was pretty tired suddenly.

Swiping from the food app to his text messages he opened up Julia's thread. She'd very clearly told him that after Christmas she was going on a strict diet but 1. She didn't need to and 2. He just wanted to talk to her.

[Ordering a pizza. You want anything?]

[That's very kind of you, but I told you I'm on a diet. I'll just bring something over for myself, don't worry about me. How's the little guy doing though?] She responded back.

Tala took a glance over his phone at Thomas who had moved himself to lie on his stomach and was the quietest he'd been since he picked him up.

[Think he's close to crashing, thank god. Don't think I could handle another wrestling match. Well. Unless you were involved that is ;)]

[Oh? Is that so? Well. Might have to look at my schedule then.] Julia replied.

[Anyways, if he's gone and tuckered you out too, think it's best I just stay here for the night and all. Wouldn't want to overwhelm you or anything like that. ;)]

Tala had just placed the pizza order when his phone pinged again, a smirk appearing on his face.

[Overwhelm me? Baby you know I've got stamina ;) s'up to you though. A diet only works if there's exercise involved too. Just saying.]

[Well... Wouldn't want him to think you have monsters too. LOL]

Tala snorted which caused Thomas to turn and look at him over his shoulder.

"What?" Tala sent down jokingly squaring up to him, "Wanna fight?" Stretching out his leg he used his foot to nudge his little butt which got him a giggle before Thomas shuffled away and continued watching his cartoon. Was nice having the kid around. Was like having a little brother.

[That's true. End up giving the kid a complex. Fiiiiine though, stay home. So near but so far...] With a crying face emoji he continued.

[Think you should send me a picture though or something... Cheer me up.]

[Ohhh, if that's what the love of my heart desires.] Julia replied with her own little laughing emoji at the end before a picture of her floor was brought up in the text thread.

[Freshly polished too. ;)]

Tala let his head drop forward. Truly met his match with this one.

[Ooh gorgeous! Y'know what'd make that floor look even better though? Whatever you're wearing right now dropped on it. Go on. You know you wanna...]

The text thread was lit up with the three little dots at the bottom, showing that Julia was texting something back for a minute or two before another picture was brought up.

There, on her newly polished floors laid a single hair tie.

[I'm afraid that's all I had on.]

Tala bit into his lower lip, imagination alight now. [You tease... Lemme see you, c'mon, just one. I'll buy you as much lettuce as you want.]

Before his dreams could be made reality, Thomas twisted himself around on the floor and toddled over to him and leaned over to see what it was Tala was doing just as the picture Tala had been pining for appeared on his screen.

"Whatchya doin?" Thomas asked.

He caught a mere glimpse of cleavage before jumping and locking his phone, locking with inquisitive amber eyes.

"Nothing!" He blurted out just as there was a knock on the door.

"Heyy look foods here. Go and sit down." He said as he stood up, slot his phone in his pocket and head for the front door.

Taking the pizza box and passing off a bill in exchange Tala's eyes looked down the hallway. Julia's green door riiiight there.

Maybe he could just...

"Uncle Talaaa come onnnn" Came a whine from over his shoulder.

He let out a sigh and closed the door. He was so gonna get him back for this when he was older...

"Really, you're fine. Stop fiddling with your shirt." Kai sent in a humored tone across the table at Ray who had kept tugging and pulling at his shirt the moment they walked through the doors, even gone as far as moving his hair over his shoulder and off and on again in the short span they'd been sat down at a table right near the windows that overlooked the water.

Ray sent him a sheepish look, lowering his hands back to his lap after he tucked a strand of hair behind his ear and gazed down on the menu that had been set down in front of him.

The restaurant was really nice. Not an overly pretentious place but Ray was still aware that it wasn't just an everyday burger place. They served fresh lobster and everything...

"What are you thinking to order?"

"I have no clue..." Kai answered as he finally glanced down at his own menu. Honestly, the only thing he was hungry for was him.

"Been a while since I've had crab though, so might go with that..." He mused more to himself than to Ray.

"The tuna steaks sound nice too..." Ray added, his index finger trailing down the menu as he scanned the other dishes.

"Oooh they've got lemon cheesecake... Okay no, main first..." He chuckled, "Are you wanting a starter too? Could share some calamari?" He suggested looking across to him, his golden eyes appearing even more rich as the candle light flickered between them.

"Whatever you want babe." Kai sent back, finally deciding that those crab cakes sounded perfect right about now and set his menu down.

After giving their orders to the waiter and a bottle of white was brought to the table, two glasses were poured before they were left alone again. Soft music was being played in the background and the peaceful sound of calm water too sat beneath them.

"So... Are you looking forward to the reopening?" Ray asked, "Having New Year's Eve just for staff was a good idea. Will get everyone back into the swing of things."

Kai went silent while he sipped at his wine, eyes lowering some before looking out to the window to his left.

Was he? Sure in a way he was, but at the same time if it weren't for the sudden burst of nightmares the past few nights he'd be a lot more excited about it.

"I guess..." He answered quietly.

Ray gave a half smile, reaching across the table and taking up Kai's hand. He hated seeing him so down, and he didn't want to dwell on this but it needed airing out if they intended on moving past it.

"Is that what you've been having bad dreams over? Being back there?" He asked, stroking over his hand with his thumb.

"It's totally normal if you're feeling anxious about it all. Tala had said the same thing when he first walked in. A lot happened the last time we were all there. It's bound to bring back awful memories for you..."

Kai shook his head at him, quickly wrapping his hand around Ray's over the top of the table. Just when had the last time really been since they touched each other like this aside from tonight? Although it'd only been a few days, it felt like forever.

As much as he didn't want to burden Ray with it, he knew just as much as Ray did that this had to end. He couldn't keep pulling back away from him if he wanted to keep him.

"It's not that. At least I don't think it is... The dreams aren't really about what happened, or even being there either. Last night for instance... I wasn't really anywhere, but everyone around me was gone. I couldn't save them, just like I couldn't save her.

"Friday night, I held you in my arms as you took your last breath... First night the house was on fire and I lost both you and Thomas..." He finally came clean through a heavy and shaky breath, his grip on Ray's hand tightening some as he felt himself beginning to tremble.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you before... And that I got angry with you and how I've been acting because of it all. You didn't do anything to deserve what I've been doing or saying to you. I'm so sorry..."

At that Ray eased himself up from his chair, hand still holding Kai's before releasing it to bend down and hug him around his neck.

"It's okay baby, I knew something was up and not to take it personally." He cooed, squeezing him a little tighter before letting him go and setting a kiss on his cheek.

"All you had to do was just tell me though. If you don't, how am I supposed to help you?" He lightly scolded going back to his seat.

"I know you felt like there wasn't much I could've done, but just talking about it all would surely make you feel better."

Ray then took a hold of Kai's hand again, gazing across to him over the candlelight.

"Yes they're just dreams, but clearly you're still blaming yourself for what happened and you need to stop that Kai. It wasn't your fault..."

From the sudden hug and kiss to Ray going back to holding his hand, Kai was left with just staring back at him for a minute as his calming words tried to sink in through the louder ones his own head kept screaming back at him.

"You keep saying that... And part of me agrees with you... But if I had gotten rid of Johnny long before any of this, before you even showed up, then maybe she'd still be here. I know it doesn't matter now; nothing matters now. What's done is done... I just don't know what else to do about it."

"There's nothing you can do Kai. It's down to the police now to ensure that justice is served. Your job now is to ensure that little boy has everything he needs in life and that he's okay, and you can't do that if you're not okay." Ray emphasized, squeezing his hand.

"It isn't nice for him to see you all zombie-fied and not know what's going on. Hell, isn't nice for me either but I'm sorta used to you by now." He teased, huffing a laugh.

"As for Johnny, that whole thing must have been so difficult for you... I only saw it all briefly when I started but I can only imagine how torn you've probably felt all these years... He's your family at the end of the day Kai, and you were only doing what families do for each other. They stand by each other through thick and thin. You've only ever done in life what you believed was the right thing to do... So please don't blame yourself."

"I'm sorry." Was all Kai could give him again, and he was. More so than he ever had been in his life.

"And you shouldn't be used to this, I don't want to be like this. Especially with you. You've done nothing but be there for me when I've needed you, and you were right. If it was up to me there would be no us." He finally lifted his head after it had hung a little in shame, meeting Ray's eyes across the table and squeezed his hand back.

"So thank you, for everything you've ever done. Not just for me but for Thomas as well."

Ray shook his head. "You don't need to thank me Kai. Just talk to me. That's all I ask. When something's bothering you, open up. Stop fighting me on it, okay?"

Kai nodded to him, "I'll try. I can't promise it'll always be easy though... I've never been that way, with anyone. But I'll try."

The two shared a smile before Ray reached for his wine glass and lifted it up. "Here's to new beginnings. A new year and a new start."

A smile cracked along Kai's face, lifting up his own glass with him in a toast before tipping it back to his lips.

"Careful you don't swallow the ring I put in there." He murmured around the rim of his glass.

Ray's eyes noticeably widened as he pulled the glass away from his own lips like it had electrocuted him. A ring?! W-what?!

He scanned the wine glass, frantically staring into the pale liquid. There was no ring... Oh god had he swallowed it? No he'd have felt it surely.

"You idiot." He scolded, kicking Kai's leg underneath the table. "Not funny."

"Ow..." Kai pouted before he smiled like an idiot. "Damn, must have sent it to the wrong table or something then."

"Oh yeah? Well after that let's hope I don't go home in the wrong car, k?" Ray clapped back and went to sipping at his wine as their food was laid out before them.

It was all in jest. He knew it was. Talking marriage two months into a relationship that was crazy. What was even more crazy though was what his answer would've been...

"You drunk already from a few sips of wine?" Kai chuckled, "Such a liability..." He playfully shook his head.

Ray scoffed at him though his own smile was still in place as he set his glass back down. "I wish. Need it to deal with you." He teased picking up his knife and fork.

"Mm, this looks amazing."

Kai mirrored him, head ducking down to his own plate yet his smirk still remained.

"So do you."

Ray glanced up to him, the dimmed lighting thankfully hiding his blush as he sheepishly cut into his tuna steak.

"Thank you... It's nice seeing you smile again."

Kai huffed a little around his mouthful but nodded back to him. It was nice to smile again.

"I'm sorry." He repeated again, not knowing what else to say to him. "But um... What have you been... Up to while I've been an asshole?" He asked with an awkward laugh.

Ray chuckled back though it was a valid question. They'd barely uttered a string of cordial words to each other the last few days of Kai being in his funk.

"Well, looking after Thomas mostly. Though I did go over to Lee's yesterday since he was whining about some of my stuff still being there. So, went and got that."

Kai nearly choked on his food at the information, spitting and sputtering for a second before he was good to look up again and talk.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I did." He replied a little more frosty than he meant to. "You were in your own little bubble though in your office so, it's fine." He brushed off. "Wasn't anything major anyway. Think he just wanted to see me to be honest."

"Oh... Well how did it go? He's been quiet this entire time and then just wants you over to get your things?"

Ray shrugged to him. "Was fine. A little awkward at first naturally but was pleasant as it could be considering everything... Think the whole festivities got to him and he just kinda wanted to reach out, y'know? Made up some excuse for it. I can't see us being as close as we were anytime soon but, it's a start I guess." He shrugged again.

"How did it go with Nicole? You never updated me."

"As good as it could I suppose, finally have the papers off to the lawyers and it's just a matter of Johnny showing up to get signed now. She said she's been looking for a job so she can get to standing on her own, but I told her she doesn't need to right now. Not in her condition at least, but she insisted and has already places she's been looking at to move into." Kai explained as he picked around his food.

"I don't mind her staying for as long as she needs, I really don't and I tried telling her that but she wasn't having any of it. So." He shrugged back.

"You'd have thought she'd want to remain put where she knew she was safe." Ray commented, popping his fork into his mouth.

"I mean sure she's gonna want to get on with her life at some stage but why doesn't she just hang fire til the maniac is behind bars? She's a braver person than me..."

"Honestly have no clue, she dismissed every point I tried to make to her. Was close to dealing with you really." Kai chuckled.

Ray sent him a look as he cut into his food though was smiling like an idiot just as much as Kai was.

"Keep pushing baby. Just keeeeep pushing." He jokingly warned.

"That's really odd though. Maybe she just isn't frightened anymore? Wants to get back to normal."

Kai just shrugged back at him, he didn't have an answer for him one way or another since Nicole really hadn't given him one herself.

Though again, as much as he enjoyed talking like things were fine and opening up about what was going on, the topic of conversation was swayed towards him and now someone else.

"Are you? Frightened or scared still? Said Tala felt a type of way being back at the club, but what about you?" He asked as he sat down his fork and leaned back in his chair to give Ray his full attention.

Ray looked down to his plate, playing with his food some at the question. He'd have been lying if he said no... Though Kai had enough on his plate going back. He didn't need him worrying about him too.

"I, uhm... I mean yeah it's strange being back there y'know? It's been what, almost a month? It's a long time to not be at work so it's bound to feel odd being back." He admitted with a small shrug.

"As for being scared though, nah. I can't see any of those clowns having the balls to show their faces round there again.

"Here's hoping. Can't say Bryan will or won't, has nothing to gain out of any of it to begin with. Johnny on the other hand... Different story."

Ray casually reached for his wine glass, "What, you think he'd actually show up there? He's stupid Kai but he isn't that stupid surely. That's just asking for a one way ticket to jail."

"I can't tell you what goes through that head of his anymore, haven't been able to for a long time. Only reason he hasn't come back to the house is because he knows I'd blow his brains out." Kai mused and casually took a sip of his wine.

"Yeah and that'll be why he won't show up at the club either." Ray countered setting his glass down, "And don't talk like that please... I know there's a lot of rage there, but he isn't worth going to jail for. Joke or not."

"Wasn't a joke." Kai said as he looked Ray in the eyes again, "And I don't keep one at the club, so he could show up for all I know."

"Let's just- stop." Ray intervened, reaching over the table for Kai's hand again. "I don't want to talk about this anymore. Tonight is just about us, okay?"

Kai nodded, though that hardened look that had come over his face didn't ease off this time.

"If you ever need it and if I'm not home. Top shelf on the right in the closet in the black box. Downstairs, right drawer in my desk in the office. Okay?"

Ray blinked at the nonchalance of the other. Was this guy for real right now?

"Wait, you actually have a gun? Two guns?! W-why?!"

"Called self-defense and home protection, Ray. So yes, I have two. Why I don't let Thomas in the office either." Kai answered almost in a dull tone.

Ray just stayed quiet at that sensing him becoming irate. He didn't want to ruin their evening with his opposing views but he'd be lying if he said he was okay with the whole having a gun in the house, let alone two.

It wasn't exactly his home though so what could he really say?

Wasn't something he'd ever been around personally but knowing all he does now of the other, having some form of self defence in the house wasn't that bad of an idea he guessed.

With Ray going quiet, Kai followed suit and went back to eating his dinner. Letting the silence fall for longer than he probably should have but he was not going to budge on his choices when it could keep them safe down the road at some point.

Halfway through the unbearable silence, it getting too much for even himself, and knowing this wasn't how this night was supposed to go he set his fork back down and looked across the table at Ray.

"Did you still want that cheesecake?" He asked.

Ray was brought out of his thoughts and glanced up to him. Having gone on a reluctant stroll down memory lane whether he wanted to or not of past events where he really could have used some form of self defence...

"I'm a little full now to be honest." He answered with a small shrug, "Unless you wanted to share one?"

"Or we can take it home?" Kai offered instead, he just wanted to make him happy. Whatever he wanted; he'd give it to him. Deserved it after having to deal with his moody ass for the past five days.

Ray's expression seemed to brighten at the suggestion. "Mm! Yeah, good idea. Can get all snuggly and have it later."

"Sounds good." Kai smiled back at him, looking around for the waiter before motioning him back to the table and placing in the order to go.

Thankfully, the pizza box and ice cream had been moved on top of the kitchen counter out of the way as cushions had been thrown all around the apartment once their stomach's had settled.

Tala figured the food coma would have knocked the kid out but apparently he wasn't going down just yet, not without a fight anyways. The kid had a decent shot he'd give him that, and by decent shot he was clearly out to knock over every lamp he had.

Having just had a cushion thrown to his legs Tala picked it up from the floor and watched as the young boy ran away laughing.

"I'm gonna get you for that!" He chuckled out.

Raising it above his head he threw it with a lot more force than he intended and launched it at Thomas' small frame, it knocking him forward causing him to face plant in the hallway.

There was silence. Oh shit... He'd killed him.

After a moment, an almighty cry erupted from underneath the cushion and Tala ran over to the little heap.

"Heyy hey hey you're alright! Don't cry!" He almost pleaded, flustered. "C'mon, up ya get! Walk it off!"

Sporting a reddening mark on his forehead, Thomas' cries quickly vanished as he grabbed the cushion that had knocked him down and flung it into Tala's face.

"Got you!" He sang out and bounced back up to his feet, dashing back to the living room for another off the couch.

"Little shit..." He muttered under his breath as he shook off the unexpected bash to the face.

Watching Thomas grab another, Tala too grabbed the one closest to him and stood to his feet.

"Ah ha my friend, I believe we have a Mexican standoff on our hands..." He played along, cautiously stalking towards his much shorter opponent. Though said opponent had a lot more energy and by god he was getting old.

"How about we call a truce? Hm?" He suggested, though by the little twinkle in the big eyes below him Tala feared it wasn't going to be accepted.

Thomas seemed to think about it for a second, though with that twinkle in his eyes only getting brighter he let out a laugh and attacked. Swinging and flailing the cushion with all he had at his opponent.

"Never!"

Tala groaned and used his cushion as a shield for the tiny charge. "Are you sure it isn't your bed time yet?!" He called, looking around for the clock. He was pretty sure it was his. He was beat.

"Noooo." Thomas lied, his flailing of the cushion pausing for a second to answer.

"I think it is kid. C'mon let's calm it down a little."

Blocking the hit from the cushion with his hand Tala kept hold of it to refrain further attacks which got a disappointed whine from below.

"Let's get tidied up. Can watch one more episode of your show then we'll get ready for bed, sound good?"

"I guessssss." Thomas whined again, letting go of his weapon and rolled his head on his shoulders to show his disapproval in the whole idea.

"Atta boy." Tala praised chucking both cushions he had onto the couch and watched as Thomas begrudgingly followed suit.

Once the place looked a little more in order and Thomas was washed and in his Iron Man pajamas, they slumped back on to the sofa and as promised Tala set the TV up for another episode of the cartoon he'd been watching earlier.

Ten minutes in a yawn came from the child and he nestled himself down onto the redhead's lap.

"You had fun kid?" He sent down to him after a moment, stroking his little head.

"Mhmm. Been the best sleep over ever." Thomas answered through another yawn.

"Are Uncle Kai and Uncle Ray getting a divorce?" He asked innocently, keeping his eyes on the TV and his head on Tala's lap.

Tala took in a breath at the sudden question though his hand continued to lightly caress the blue locks unfazed.

"Noo, they're fine." He answered in a small drawl. A little amused that Thomas presumed they're married but he wasn't going to correct him.

"Grownups just get a bit stressed sometimes and need a time out to sort it. That's all. So don't worry about em, okay?"

"Did I do something wrong?" Thomas asked next, lifting his head up to look at Tala this time.

Blue eyes snapped down. "No! Course not! What makes you think that?" He asked concerned, full attention on the young boy now.

Thomas shrugged at him, "I dunno. Uncle Kai stopped playing with me and got really angry at Uncle Ray sometimes when he said Uncle Kai should play with me instead of sitting in his 'lair'."

Tala chuckled some being able to envision the whole scene entirely. "Nyeah, your uncle Kai he... He's a funny one sometimes." He mused.

"I've a feeling though come tomorrow when I drop you back off things'll be a lot better. So don't worry, alright? No one's getting a divorce, and it's no one's fault."

Thomas nodded back to him, wrapping his arms around Tala's waist and burying his face in his belly.

"Thanks Uncle Tala."

"Don't sweat it kid." The older replied, hand stroking Thomas's back letting the comfortable silence fall upon them and hopefully coax the boy to sleep.

It was nearing on 10:30 now. Thomas probably should've been in bed hours ago but he was glad he'd had a good time at least. One late night wouldn't do him any harm.

Tala then yawned himself and looked to the TV but wasn't paying that much attention to whatever was on it.

All he knew was that Kai and Ray better had used the child free evening to their full advantage and made all the bruises he was gonna have tomorrow worth it.

He looked down to the bundle in his lap that had seemed to have dozed off and smiled. He may have missed out on his own evening of getting lucky but honestly, with his newly adopted little bro - worth it.

"K-Kai..." Ray panted, head back against the office door seeing as how that was as far as they got into the house.

Just past the threshold, enough time to take off their shoes and jackets and put down the little to-go bag with their dessert on the table before next thing he knew his back was pushed up against the office door, his shirt was bunched up over his stomach and Kai's mouth had worked from the junction of his neck and down till his pants were left around his ankles while his legs trembled every so often each time Kai's head bobbed up and down his length.

Kai could only groan into it, down on his knees in front of him, hands pressed into Ray's hips and keeping his shirt bunched up enough he could still touch his bare skin and grope at him while taking his cock in even deeper down his throat.

This is what Ray got for thinking it funny trying to rile him up while driving. Should have known better honestly.

Opening his eyes and glancing up through his thick bangs, he watched as Ray's mouth gaped and another satisfying moan rang through his ears.

If he could, he'd smirk right now, though the sight would have to do.

Yet, with every gasp, whine, or moan from that beautiful gaping mouth, it only made Kai's own hardened cock twitch in his jeans. Though, right now, he didn't want to give up this position of Ray up against the office door until he made him come.

Ray's teeth sank into his lower lip. Why he was trying suppress his sounds he wasn't sure but they were starting to pour out of him more urgent and he was trying to hold back.

"Fuck, Kai, s-stop..." He breathed out though the majority of him didn't want him to stop at all. This felt amazing and he'd missed the touch of the other male.

He blindly gripped into the slate locks below as his other hand sought for something to hold onto, his knees feeling like they were gonna buck on him any second as his chest continued to pant in and out.

Kai's mouth pulled away, though was quickly replaced by his hand to keep working.

"You really want me to?" He asked as finally the smirk cracked along his face and slightly dried lips.

"Nuh uh." Ray instantly replied, eyes still screwed shut as he shook his flushed face. His thighs tensed again, as did the awkward grip he had on the cabinet beside them.

"D-don't stop..."

Kai huffed a quiet laugh, diving back in with a lick against the leaking head before wrapping his lips back around Ray's length and choking himself on the entire thing in one go and picking up his rhythm he'd been so rudely disrupted from.

The hand he'd put around Ray staying at the base, jerking in time with how fast and slow he bobbed his head against him. Taking his tongue against the underside of Ray's shaft in slow and long strokes with every pull back, feeling his cock twitch each time and loving every second of it.

"Fuck!"

The hand he had raked through Kai's hair moved along with him and after several more strokes was overcome with his orgasm.

Unable to stifle his moan it shamelessly tore from his throat filling the empty hallway along with the sound of a small vase crashing to the floor from where Ray's hand had slipped on the cabinet in his ecstasy.

"Ah shit.. I-I'm sorry!" He panted out, still seeing stars and barely able to hold himself up right.

Kai didn't even hear anything after that moan was still ringing in his ears, nor did he really care for anything else at the moment as he took what Ray had poured into his mouth in stride and rose to his feet, keeping Ray pressed up against the door with just his own body.

Taking his index under Ray's chin, he tilted his head back enough to lean down and press their lips together tenderly, slipping his tongue through with the bit of Ray's release he'd saved and passed it off as their tongues tangled together before having to break away for air.

"It's fine." He told him once they parted, wiping the bit of saliva off the corner of Ray's mouth with the pad of his thumb.

"I'll get it, you go up and get ready for me." His husky voice purred against his lips, "And this time, I want the one with the chains."

Ray couldn't respond with words right now, completely breathless and entranced by the low tone that could have him do anything.

He dumbly nodded, lingering for a moment as Kai's thumb continued to lightly trail on his lower lip before kicking off his pants and tearing himself away to go upstairs and do as the other had requested.

Ray's heart raced in excitement with every step. If it was the chains Kai wanted, by god it was the chains he was going to get.

Rooting in his drawer, now having his full wardrobe since picking it all up from Lee's, he pulled out the chained chest harness he'd told Kai about on Christmas and set it on the bed before quickly unbuttoning his shirt.

He really liked this one... Always felt refreshingly cool against his flushed skin. And the chains going down his back were perfect for Kai to grip on to also.

The mere thought of what was going to happen once Kai joined him upstairs caused Ray to twitch once more. He'd never been so grateful for that redhead in all his life.

With the broken pieces of the vase swept and in the trash, their dessert finally put in the fridge and making sure the front door was actually locked, Kai finally sauntered his way up the stairs feeling like a damn king and was hell bent on making sure Ray felt it too.

Deserved it after this past week, and more.

Out of habit, he peeked into Thomas' room only to be reminded that he wasn't there for once. A weird feeling hitting him in the chest, though knew he was safe with Tala all the same and quickly shook it off before heading across the hall to his own door that Ray had shut behind him and gave it a few knocks.

"Come in..." Came the sultry invitation from the other side.

At the go-ahead, Kai pushed himself into the room though kept his eyes down until he had the door shut behind him.

Looking up, his breath hitched in his throat and the raging hard-on he lost after having to clean up the downstairs came back with a vengeance.

"Hot damn..."

His eyes shamelessly raked over Ray's body laid out on his side on the bed, hair now undone from its braid he'd put it in for dinner where instead of the strands being bone straight had a wavy curve to them as they fanned over his sides and down his shoulders.

The harness he wore was simple and over his shoulders that fell just around his chest in a cascading drop of small interlocking chains, that looked more like a small breast plate than a harness and wrapped under his arms to his back.

Best part, he was naked from the waist down.

Stalking up to the bed, his own fingers going down the front of his shirt now that it felt like he'd walked straight into an oven, Kai shook the fabric from his arms before crawling up onto the bed with Ray and sat over his legs after having pushed him down onto his back.

Like he'd done with the other harness, he let a lone finger slip between the chains and tanned skin as his eyes followed the lines.

"Think this one might be my favorite."

"Is that so?" Ray purred up to him, hands going straight to Kai's thighs before pawing at the blatant bulge in his jeans.

"Think I can tell."

Kai smirked down to him, "It's what you do to me in general."

Leaning down and setting a quick kiss to Ray's lips, Ray chasing him as he pulled away, Kai went down to his neck like he had when they first got home. His hands now moving all over Ray's sides and over and under the chains that hung around him not as tightly as the other had.

Moving far enough down Ray's chest, he bit into the fleshy part of his breast before taking his tongue to the marks he'd set in and began to suck. Once a decent hickey had been left and Ray's chest was starting to heave in heavier like it had earlier he pulled away and slid down his legs.

"Turn."

Ray obliged instantly and rolled onto his front; his own slowly hardening cock being pressed into the soft bed sheets.

Without even seeing the other he could feel those crimson eyes he adored drinking him up from behind and he loved it. Always had enjoyed being dressed up and on display like a trophy though before reveled in the 'look but don't touch' scenario.

With Kai however that's all he wanted. To be touched by him and had wanted this all week. His suspicions were further proven right when two fair hands squeezed at his ass cheeks and spread him apart.

"Like what you see?" Ray coyly sent over his shoulder.

"Mhmm. Very much." Kai sent back in a droned out tone, his hands massaging Ray's ass some more before giving the right plump cheek a swift smack and reached up for the chains down Ray's back and sides and giving them a test tug.

Probably be best not to pull on them too hard, might snap them off. They weren't very strong looking.

His hand went down over Ray's shoulder onto the bed, whole body pressed up against Ray's back as he got close to his ear.

"Going to like it so much more when you're screaming my name though." He sent in a deeper tone, pressing a soft kiss to the skin right under Ray's ear on his neck.

The warmth of Kai's breath caused a shiver all down Ray's spine and a soft moan sat in his throat. His eyes had slipped closed on him as he arched his back, pushing into the body above him.

"Mm, I'm getting more am I? And here I thought the rest of my dessert was in the fridge..."

"If that's what you'd rather have..." Kai continued in his deeper tone, pulling away from him completely and rolling to the side of the bed for the side table anyways.

Popping the lube and getting back behind Ray between his legs, he drowned his fingers in a thick layer before setting the tube down beside them and eased Ray up onto his knees with his other hand.

Teasing Ray's entrance with his index without inserting it, smearing the lube around his hole and keeping his other hand on his hip that groped and gripped at him every so often.

"Or, you can be a good boy and come fuck yourself on my fingers."

Ray didn't need any other options as his decision was already made the moment Kai's finger teased his ass. He wanted him, and after his first round downstairs he wanted him bad.

He'd tensed for a moment at the cool gel though once it had warmed he relaxed his muscles and gently pushed against Kai's touch, reaching behind he took his hand, turned the single digit into two and positioned them against his entrance.

"See, I can be good sometimes..."

Kai let out a filthy dirty chuckle at that, "Sometimes..." He confirmed, pulling Ray's hip back to get him going while keeping his other hand completely still.

When he said for Ray to fuck himself on his fingers, he meant it.

It was more than just getting the delicious eye candy of watching his fingers sink into that tight body that he wanted to witness, but he generally wanted Ray to use him in any way he could to get himself off again, and again until he was a quivering mess who didn't even know his own name.

It wasn't a fix to the past week, but it was a start. Bring back the intimacy that had been lost, give Ray everything he could physically before he went in and gave him everything else that followed. The better fix, he knew, was fixing himself and being a better partner to him. Being a better father figure to Thomas as well.

Ray had tensed again though quickly eased himself to relax as he sunk onto the fair fingers behind him, the full feeling seeming familiar but different as it had been so long.

He regretted jumping straight to two digits but only for a moment as Kai's other hand started to caress his back and sides which only relaxed and turned him on further.

The way Kai was being tonight, the selfless giver, he knew he was trying, trying to right his wrongs, and for that he loved him of course. But Ray too wanted him to be happy. Wanted to be there for Kai when he was at his highest and lowest.

Relationships were about compromise, give and take. And Kai was all too comfortable with giving. He wanted him to know that he too was able to take.

Take his help, take his love. Be comfortable with accepting what he dishes out so easily to him.

They'd get there... Perhaps, new year, new start?

Ray exhaled a soft breath, and his head dropped forward as his hips slowly started to pick up a slow and steady rhythm, sending himself back and taking the digits to the knuckle.

"Mm, Kai..."

"There you go, that's it baby." Kai praised, the only thing he was really doing was spreading his fingers inside him every now and then when Ray came back down onto them.

Leaning over his back again, making sure not to move his hand too much, he placed soft kisses down his spine and sides. Free hand tightening its hold on Ray's hip as he started to move faster.

Another moan escaped Ray's lips as the two digits pressed against his inner walls. Tingles shooting up and down him erupting his skin in goosebumps but it wasn't enough now.

"Baby..." He whined, looking back to him. "I want you..."

Placing a few more kisses along Ray's back, dragging his tongue along his skin, Kai started moving his hand in time to meet the thrusts against his fingers. Searching out Ray's prostate to get him there first.

"You'll have me... I promise, just a bit more baby." He purred against his back, twisting his fingers around inside him and thrusting his own hand in harder and faster.

Ray's breath hitched as his sweet spot was suddenly nudged; the extra force from behind pushing the digits deeper stimulating him further. Was Kai just teasing or was he wanting him to come again before him? 'Cos the rate he was going the latter was sure to happen...

Ray's grip on the sheets tightened and the flush sitting along his cheeks deepened as he continued to throw himself back onto his fingers.

As sweet as this all was he wanted to hear the other's moans of pleasure too. Wanted to make him feel just as good as Kai was making him feel.

"Baby please..." He pleaded, the urgency in his voice blatant as the waves were becoming more intense now.

Another dirty filthy chuckle left Kai's throat, prodding his fingers up inside Ray one last time before he pulled away from him and set down a few more kisses to his sweaty back and climbed off the bed.

Shimming out of his too tight jeans and boxers, he grabbed the lube again from where he'd left it and crawled back on beside Ray who was still panting to catch his breath.

"C'mon baby." He cooed and motioned for him to come sit on his throne.

Looking up at him like a hot mess he didn't have to tell Ray twice.

Crawling over, seeing Kai now free from his denim prison, he desperately took him whole in his mouth. His horniness only allowed him to give several sloppy bobs up and down him before he snatched the lube from Kai's hands and squirted it all over his crotch, hand taking over and working him momentarily to make sure Kai was well and truly coated.

Hissing out breaths through his teeth, Kai's thighs tenses and his hands went to grab Ray's uppers arms, dragging him up along his body to put him over him how he wanted him.

Caressing his thighs, pressing their mouths back together, he steadied himself with one hand and lowered Ray down by the hip till he felt his tip nudging him before lifting his own and bringing Ray down onto him at the same time.

He said he wanted him; then he was going to get him.

Not even giving Ray a minute to breathe or properly adjust, both hands back on either side of him, Kai was dictating just how fast and hard he was going by his hips. Keeping his own lifting in time when he brought Ray down onto him, a loud groan finally passing his own lips that expelled into Ray's quickly.

He soaked it up as a silent cry poured from his own, his face contorting some as his prostate was being pounded into now with every thrust from below.

Ray lifted himself up, quickly running a hand through his damp hair to get it off his face before gripping onto Kai's wrists at either side of him to steady himself.

He loved it when Kai took control like this and the moaned praises that continued to come from him proved it. The way Kai showed off his sheer strength and having his way with his body even though he was on top was an insane turn on for him.

"Ah fuck, Kai!"

Kai did his best to keep his eyes open to watch the chains along Ray's chest bounce with him, the sound of them clinking barely being heard past their moans and the slap of their skin smacking into each other.

The hold he had on Ray's hips tightened, fingertips and nails beginning to embed into his tanned skin as his hips went wild up into him.

For once they didn't have to care for how loud they were, which was another blessing and only made his blood run hotter as Ray's moans grew in intensity.

His name filled the room, cries of ecstasy ricocheting off the walls just as Kai said he'd like as Ray was dangling dangerously close to the edge a second time.

A thin film of sweat graced both their bodies as they continued to bask in the long overdue love making. Not a single care in the world right now for either of them.

"K-Kai... I'm gonna come..." Ray panted out in warning. "I'm gonna come baby! Fuck!"

With the warning, a few more thrusts and hips rising to get in deeper, Kai brought him down in time for when Ray's cock pulsed and exploded out across his chest and along his chin.

A deep groan of satisfaction from the sight alone rolled out of his chest before a low growl followed.

Grabbing Ray up off him by the hips that were slowly starting to bruise, he threw him down onto his back, hooking his arms under his knees and pulling him back into him as his hips got back to work. Mouths crashed together to drink up the lazy moans coming out of Ray this time, his tongue making quick work against Ray's and winning as if there was no contest with how limp he was going under him.

As lifeless as he was, Ray managed to reach up and rest his hands on either side of Kai's warm face as he was practically bent in half for him; grateful for his flexibility to be able to get into such positions for him with ease.

He let Kai's tongue ferociously dominate the entirety of his mouth and the relentless driving of the hips above rattled the chains on his chest something wild.

Kai had needed this just as much as he had, he could tell. All of his pent up frustrations of the week being taken out on him whether he was meaning to or not.

"C'mon baby..." Ray breathed, after breaking the kiss for air. "Show me how much you've missed me..."

Like always, Ray's words only added fuel to the raging fire inside him.

Neither caring for how much sweat had collected on their skin or how flushed and red his own pale skin had become, or the way his muscles in his back and arms were beginning to strain he drove in harder for another four thrusts before coming to a dead stop.

Catching his own breath, letting Ray's legs fall back down around him less he hurt him somehow, he gave a tender kiss on his lips before pulling away completely and stood off the side of the bed and grabbed at the tanned ankle to drag Ray closer like their first night together.

Drowning his cock in more lube, he repositioned and eased back in. His thrusts just as powerful but in slower and deeper hits that shook the bed as he gripped at the chains and hair down Ray's back.

"Fuck, Ray! Look what you do to me." He moaned between grit teeth, keeping up his shallow thrusts to hit the mark again and edging himself over towards his own cliff.

Ray gave him everything, inside and out, was only fair he returned the favor and now sang his praises as he threw his hips up into him and held on for dear life to the person he had missed even if they lived under the same roof.

His head went back with another moan, Ray's name bouncing off the walls as he cried out and dragged him as close as he could while his cock pulsed and emptied everything he had inside him.

The two of them laid there in a post orgasmic glow. Ray's glistening chest heaving in and out on him as he panted like he'd just sprinted a mile. That was perhaps the best session they'd ever had.

"That. Was. Amazing..." He managed to say as a random rush of tingles ran through him causing him to shiver before turning his head to take in Kai who had flopped down beside him on the sheets.

"Hmm." Kai hummed as a sloppy smile stretched over his flushed face, dead arm flopping at Ray's back for a minute till he had a hold of him and dragged him into his side.

Burying his face into the crook of Ray's sweaty neck, not caring for how awful they smelled or how sticky they were he placed a soft kiss to the skin.

"I love you. Are you okay, didn't hurt you, did I?"

Ray lazily shook his head and hummed his no, eyes contently slipping closed again when Kai pulled him in close not caring for the sensation of their damp skins touching either.

"I love you too." He murmured back to him after a moment.

"Tonight has been nice... Mmmm and there's still cheesecake..." He gushed, wiggling a little in Kai's hold.

"Want me to go get it for you?" Kai asked, placing a few more sloppy kisses to Ray's neck as he held him closer.

"Only if you're gonna share it with me." Ray answered tilting his head to give him more room.

"Mhmm." Kai hummed against him; his kisses having trailed down across his shoulder as his hands ghosted over Ray's still sweat covered skin.

"Can eat it off of you right here." He smirked as he placed a kiss right on his breast bone before pulling away and getting off the bed.

"Want anything else while I'm down there?" He asked as he grabbed some sweats from the dresser by the bed.

Ray's eyes fluttered open when Kai pulled away, gazing over lovingly at him as he got himself dressed and rolled onto his stomach with a stupid smile.

"We still got that whipped cream in the fridge?" He innocently asked, twirling a strand of hair around his index finger.

"Should. I'll check." Kai sent back with a brow slowly going up, "Want it on the cheesecake or just the whole can?" He asked once he caught the look on Ray's face.

Ray pretended to think for a moment. "Mm, just bring the whole can..."

Kai gave a nod and slipped out of the room, a shiver of excitement going down his spine again. Just what was Ray playing at now?

Like requested, he grabbed the cheesecake from the to-go box and two forks and the can of whipped cream. The can cold against his skin as he held it under his arm and against his side as he carried everything back up the stairs to the room.

"Anything else?" He asked as he sat the items down on the side table by the bed, more than glad to have the cold can off his skin.

"Nope. Just you."

Grabbing the waist band of Kai's sweat pants Ray pulled him back on to the bed and shoved him down on to his back. Reaching for the can of whipped cream he straddled Kai's waist and squirted a small amount of cream into his own mouth.

"Mmmm..." Ray teased as he looked down at him, "You want some?" He then asked, holding the can at Kai's mouth.

Kai blinked a little at the suddenness and change, though it only served to fire up his bloodstream again.

Instead of taking the offering from the can, he cupped the back of Ray's neck and pulled him down, tongue pushing in to lap up whatever was left of the cream in Ray's mouth and corner of his lips.

"Mhmmm." He groaned into it, the licking turning into a sensual make out for a moment before he let him go.

Ray giggled into the kiss and sat himself up on his waist again once they'd parted, offering the can to Kai like he was going to squeeze it into his parted lips but ended up squirting it all down Kai's chest instead.

"Oops..." He innocently sent down to him with a coy smirk.

Kai hissed and wiggled on his back, yet the lustful look in his eyes didn't die away.

"That's cold... Literally."

Ray chuckled out again, lowering himself and keeping his eyes locked on Kai's as he licked up the trail of cream.

"Thought you could do with a little cool down..."

Kai's hands went down to his back, playing with the chains lazily as his eyes hooded over and squirmed under Ray again.

"Don't let me stop you then..." He breathed in a labored breath.

Even with the cream gone from his chest Ray continued to lick up onto Kai's collar bone and onto his neck.

"Wouldn't even if you asked me to..." He seductively whispered into his ear before circling his lobe with his tongue.

Kai's head lulled to the side, giving more room as a low moan sat in his chest.

"Think you can handle me again so soon?"

Ray nipped at his ear at that and got a hiss in return before shoving his tongue back into Kai's mouth.

Honestly? No. He didn't think he could take another pounding like what he'd just handed out but he'd be damned if they weren't going to take full advantage of having the house completely to themselves tonight.

If that meant fucking each other to the point of exhaustion then so be it. Who knows when they were going to get another night like this together.

Kai gripped him harder, bringing Ray down into him and lifted his clothed hips into Ray's to bring back some of the friction and heat that had cooled off their skin.

The mixture taste of their dinner, whipped cream, and cum mixing together against their tongues as Kai let Ray's explore his mouth this time and moaned louder into it.

Nobody had ever come close to how Ray made him feel, inside and out of the bedroom. Was probably a big reason why he'd fallen in love with him so fast, would give and do anything for him to ensure Ray was happy being with him.

There was a lot of things Ray did that he didn't have to. Sticking beside him after the fight at the club, to helping him through the funeral and now co-parenting a child that was neither biologically theirs like he was.

He'd done everything he could in his adult life to make up for his past, giving and giving to those around him even if they didn't deserve it.

Yet out of all of them, Ray deserved everything he could give him.

Parting them from the kiss, catching his breath that Ray had stolen from his lungs, he caressed the side of his face and brushed the dark locks away that had stuck to his tanned skin.

"Marry me."

The same way he'd frozen in the restaurant when Kai had mentioned the ring in the glass Ray hovered over him and just stared back for a second.

It was a blatant joke before. A joke he was surprised someone like Kai would make to begin with but had done regardless. The smirk that had been on his face reassuring him of the fact entirely but with Kai's expression seeming deadly serious now he wasn't sure how to take it this time round.

The evening had been perfect, and this moment even more so but he didn't want to jump the gun here and make himself look an idiot just in case.

"Very funny, Kai..."

"Who said I was being funny?" Kai asked, hand still gently caressing the side of Ray's face as his stubborn bangs kept falling back in his way.

"You're being serious right now?" Ray dared to ask, his heart starting to beat faster in his chest at what all this was quickly developing in to though still held back in case Kai was an extremely good actor.

Kai's brows furrowed a little, when wasn't he serious?

"If you don't want to, that's fine. We don't have to be married." He tried to diffuse. Maybe he took one leap too far.

Ray cupped Kai's face and roughly pressed his lips against his, unable to hold back the giddiness now before breaking off from him just as quick as he'd kissed him.

"You're not kidding." He stated aloud though was more for himself. "You really want to marry me..."

Ray held onto his face, staring at him and taking in his gorgeous features in disbelief before his own eyes started to water some.

"Ask me again..."

Kai was just as confused as he was amused, a soft chuckle escaping him as he copied Ray and cupped his face in his hands. Their eyes locking though one pair wet and the other dry, yet again with no hint of joking in them.

"Marry me."

The lump in Ray's throat swelled to the point that all he could do was violently nod down to him, eyes squeezing shut causing the tears to escape and trickle down his tanned cheeks before pressing their foreheads together and sniffling.

"Why are you crying?" Kai asked as he went to rubbing his back and holding him close again.

Ray shrugged his shoulders before sitting himself up to wipe at his eyes. "J-just, because I feel like I-I've known for a while, as crazy as that sounds, that one day I-I'd want to marry you... And when you'd said about the ring in the glass at-at the restaurant for a second I thought that was it." He explained through his happy tears before going on to then laugh a little.

"But then I-I realized it was probably too soon to think like that, a-and I don't know, I guess I'm just relieved you feel the same way!"

Kai smiled faintly at him, wiping the tears with the pad of his thumb best he could. He hadn't meant to make him cry, happy tears or not, but was elated to know Ray felt the same way.

"Is a bit soon, I'll admit, but then again this whole thing has been. And I love you, want to spend the rest of my life with you and take care of you and Thomas. So I promise I'll do better, for the both of you."

Ray returned the smile with one of his own before lying back onto his chest, sharing another tender kiss and snuggling into Kai's neck.

"You better... 'Cos I'm not going anywhere now. That's it. No take backs."

Kai smiled, arms wrapped around him again and placed a kiss to the top of Ray's head. Entire chest swelling as they lay together embraced and wrapped around one another.

He had everything he ever wanted right there, of course he wasn't going to take any of it back.

Things were good. Really. Really good.