Chapter 22 - Personal Bubble
"And then she was all like, 'Oh I've heard it's amaaaaazzzinnng, I'd love to watch it sometiiimmme!'" Lucas mimicked in a feminine voice as he flapped about having a conversation with a female who showed him some slight attention. "You don't think that meant she was hinting I should invite her? It felt like she was...but if I invite her and it turns out she was just making chit chat then I look an asshole!"
Kai dove into his box of pasta with his fork, sending Luke a nod and a hum every so often to show he was listening to his rambles. Like hell did he know. Why Lucas kept coming to him for advice on this sorta stuff he had no clue.
Girls, if he hadn't noticed, weren't exactly his thing.
He sent him a shrug. "I mean you look an asshole on the regular anyway sooo..."
The tease promptly got him a tut from the other opposite and a piece of sandwich crust chucked at his head.
"Look, just ask her if she'd like to go sometime?" Kai then advised with a bored undertone, brushing off the bread that just landed on his lap. "She'll either say yes or no. Not a big deal."
Lucas rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"Don't know why I bother coming to you..." he huffed. He would never discuss anything like this with him again... douche.
"Oooohhhh I can't! She was way out of my league...but we had so much in common!" He whined.
Why couldn't he find love!? He was a nice enough guy! Even by his own judgement.
"Yes, you can," Kai firmly said in his old captain tone, stabbing another load of pasta. "Just send her a message. You don't even need to ask her face to face. Just, slide in the DM's as they say. Easy."
Lucas shifted, feeling unsure.
"And say what!? You're Long Schlong Silver! Help a bro out!" He whined again.
With their inside joke far from old yet, Kai choked on his pasta as he snorted, a hand going over his mouth as he chewed the rest before hitting his own chest to help get it down.
He hated this guy so much.
"You're actually useless," he managed once his throat was clear and his amusement had simmered.
He let out an exasperated sigh and limply held out his hand so he could play Cupid. Why the kid froze up when it came to girls was beyond him. Lucas was smart, funny, good looking. A total catch!
"Give me your phone then!"
Lucas beamed like he'd just met the Beatles.
"Really!? Ahhhh thanks Kai! You're the best wingman ever!"
He'd have a date by dinner time if Kai sent his powerful cool guy vibes to her through his phone.
He pat his jean pockets.
Phone...phone...
He paled horribly.
"Oh my god...where's my phone!?"
His dad would KILL him!
Kai rolled his eyes and lowered his hand back down. Actual. Liability.
"Is it in your bag?"
Lucas' head disappeared, shoving it in like it was a fabric helmet and coming back a bit later.
"No!?"
He looked under and around the table.
"Oooohhh shit! Can you call me!?"
Leisurely reaching for his own phone out his pocket, Kai clicked onto his favourites and pressed Lucas's name before setting it down on the table so he could take another mouthful of his lunch.
Lucas' eyes scanned like a predator as he heard a buzzing.
It was near!
He slinked around the table like a bloodhound, getting in Kai's way as he looked under his seat.
Kai scowled down at him moving his legs with a scoff.
"It's not gonna be down there idiot!" he mumbled through his mouthful of pasta before reaching over to the jacket opposite on the table and lifted it up. "Here, moron, it's under your jacket."
He then tilted his head as he took in the caller ID. Seemed a lot of letters for just 'Kai.'
Ohh he was not serious...
"Really?" he asked clearly unimpressed when the other male resurfaced from under the table.
Lucas chuckled awkwardly at his contact name being discovered.
...Long Schlong Silver was funny...how could he not?
"There's worse things to be called?" He reasoned before glancing down at Kai's phone on the table.
He made a face of disgust.
"Lucas!? What are you!? My father!?" He asked, somehow more offended by that than Kai was about the dick nickname.
"That's your actual name?!" Kai blurted back in defence, ending the call. "The hell else am I supposed to put?"
Lucas scowled.
"Luke! Like a normal person!"
"Same thing!" Kai tutted, waving him off before picking his phone back up from the table.
"It is not! One sounds normal, the other sounds like an upper-class dick!" He pouted back.
Kai rolled his eyes. "Fine I'll change it. Drama queen..."
Suppressing his smirk as he typed 'upper-class dick' as the name, he turned his phone around to show Lucas the screen as well as his playful side.
"Better?"
Lucas clearly wasn't amused.
Kai shook his head, smirk prominent now as he changed it to simply, 'Luke'
"Happy now?"
Luke stared at it to double check before his eyes travelled back to him to give his approving nod.
"Yes. Much better...thank you."
"Wonderful. So pleased," Kai sarcastically sent back with another eye roll, shoving his phone back into his pocket. "Now message Amanda and say you'll take her out this weekend."
The pout got bigger.
"You said you would!"
"I really didn't, you whined for me to..." Kai groaned, begrudgingly holding out his had again. "Really don't know what you're expecting from me here."
"To get me hooked up! Now come on! Long Schlong Silver, AWAAAAAAAYYY!" He sang as he shoved his phone at him.
Kai scoffed as he grasped it and pondered for a moment over the empty message thread. Thumbs hovering over the screen for a second before they started to just type.
Why Lucas was over thinking this he had no idea... but then again he'd been there too once upon a time...
"Hey, Amanda..." he said aloud as he typed before pausing and taking a glance up to the male opposite. Apparently names were a big thing to this kid. Didn't wanna mess it up for him after the first two words. "Amanda, right? Or Mandy? What do you call her?"
"Oooh, I don't think I'm on nickname bases with her yet! S-so put Amanda!" He squeaked, looking as tense as if Amanda was delivering his firstborn right now and fidgeting on the spot.
"Hey Amanda..." Kai dully repeated himself as he racked his brain for what else he could put. "Was nice meeting you the other day... uhh, we should, hang out again sometime?" He said with uncertainty in his tone as he looked across to Lucas again for his approval.
Lucas shook his head in awe.
He was brilliant...
"You smooth son of a bitch..."
Kai cocked a brow. Was about as smooth as a cactus but anyways...
Finishing the message he firmly pressed on the little arrow and the blue bubble got sent to the top of the screen.
"There. Sent," he confirmed handing the phone back to him. "I expect an invite to the wedding."
Luke blew out a breath.
"Shiiiiiiit... I cant believe I just did that."
Kai sent him a look though let him just have the credit. He'd be taking it from here he was sure.
"Yeahh, you mad man, you..."
The phone in his hand buzzed, making him let out a shriek that made Kai question if he was even in to women.
"SHE MESSAGED ME BACK!"
Wordlessly Kai gestured for him to continue as he chewed another mouthful of his food before pressing once he'd swallowed. He was somewhat intrigued as to what his blasé message had achieved.
"...And?"
Luke vibrated.
"Hey, SMILEY FACE! Was great talking to you too. We absolutely should, AREYOUGOINGTOTHECAMPUSPARTY!?" He exploded as he read it out.
Kai shifted back in his seat. Don't think it's just the bitches that are crazy...
"Well, are you?"
Luke lifted his head at him, grinning.
"We sure as hell are now!"
"What's this we?!" Kai spat out with wide eyes. "WE aren't going anywhere. You, however can do what you want."
Luke jumped forward and shook him.
"Oh come on please!?" He begged, "I'll die on my ass without you!"
"Well you'd better let me know your funeral arrangements then 'cos I'm not going," Kai flatly replied shrugging the others hands off his shoulders. "I sent the stupid text for you I'm not gonna hold your hand when you next see her too."
"But whyyyyy!?" Luke protested, "I know you're not a party guy! But you should come to something! Don't gotta drink or nothin! Please!? She's really nice and if you're there I might have a shot! Look at me dude, I need a wingman!"
At the whining violet eyes instantly snapped up to him, expression deadpan though was dripping in silent warning.
Luke shrank back.
"Fine...thanks for nothin'..." he muttered with a sad pout.
Kai shook his head and a small sigh escaped his nose. Ungrateful little...
"You'll be fine," he attempted to comfort. "What do you even need me for?"
"To stop me making a fool of myself! I dunno..." Luke huffed back. "And plus, Amanda or no Amanda would be nice to hang out outside of here..."
"So then let's hang out," Kai suggested with a nonchalant shrug. "Doesn't have to be at some loud party with a bunch of others."
Luke sighed. He wasn't going to win him over this time.
"Okay, fine...but sure. Anything is good for me."
For the remainder of their lunch break they discussed a potential outing to the cinema sometime soon, the movie that realistically Luke should be taking Amanda to but had clearly chickened out.
The last class before the bell rang was as draining as it always was and after a half hour walk home Kai was back in his own comforts.
"I'm home!" he called after closing the door and slipping off his shoes.
"Hhheeeeeyyy! Wonderful timing! The oven is about to beep!" Brooklyn's jovial voice called through.
Following the smell of food Kai dropped his bag on the couch as he passed and stepped into the kitchen.
"Smells good," he commented before wrapping his arms around the redhead's waist and peering over his shoulder. "What're you making?"
"Just a pasta bake. Nothin' fancy, was kind of a tiring day, sorry..." he chuckled back as he leaned back in to him.
"It's alright," Kai assured with a small squeeze before letting him go. "Why what happened?"
"Ah was just slammed. Must have been pension day. All the old people wanting stuff. Then we got a HUUUUGE delivery. Was dragging bags of soil and fertilizer and shit around. Was a good workout though! Arms of steel! Here, feel this!" Brooklyn grinned as he lifted his arm and flexed.
Kai smirked and reached to squeeze his bicep.
"Mm check you," he humoured. "You'll be bigger than me soon."
"I think I am already..." he said with a smug smirk.
He bet he whipped that bad boy out for him to have a squeeze.
Only fair.
As predicted Kai's face immediately contorted and his jacket was off within seconds.
"As if," he scoffed, flexing his own arm to him. "You seriously think you're bigger?"
Brooklyn grinned like an idiot as he flung himself and wrapped both hands around his bicep.
He could squeal like a school girl.
Mmm...
"Hmmm maybe about the same then." He continued to tease.
Kai sent him another look before lowering his arm.
"I think not..." he muttered, "Anyways, I got time to go change?" he asked gesturing to the oven. Could maybe fit in a few pull ups too...
"Only if you do it right here." Brooklyn said slyly as his brow lifted here.
Kai sent a coy smirk before stepping to the door anyway and reached for the hem of his shirt to lift off. Teasing the other with his now bare back he looked over his shoulder back into the kitchen giving Brooklyn his husky tone he loved so much.
"Won't be long..."
"Mm. But I will be with you later..." he purred back at him as he drank in his toned and sculpted back and shoulders.
He'd have him on all fours tonight. He wanted to appreciate those parts more.
Out of his jeans and reappearing in some more comfortable sweats, Kai ventured back into the living room where Brooklyn was stepping out the kitchen with the two heaped plates of pasta.
"I'll get the drinks," he announced taking the slight detour and heading back into the kitchen.
Brooklyn walked with a spring in his step to the sofa, lowering his simple and rustic pasta bake down and waiting.
Man, he was feeling tired today. Needed this.
A buzz went on the table, and out of automatic impulse, his eyes glanced to the phone that had flashed.
His face dropped.
Luke!?
LUKE!?
Since when had it turned in to 'Luke'!? Was always 'Lucas' before! Written and in spoken form!
When had they gotten that close!?
Kai didn't give anyone a short nickname!
Just him! He was Brook! And he loved it.
But this fuckin' dweeb...
Oooohhhhh he hated him so much it gave him energy.
Stepping back into the living room with two glasses of coke, Kai set one down beside Brooklyn's plate and kept hold of his own as he took a sip and sat down.
"Could probably do with an early night myself tonight," he admitted, "These lectures are just draining."
Brooklyn stabbed up some pasta with the force of his bitterness behind it.
"Oh yeh? And how is Luke doing with them?"
Kai cocked a brow at the randomness. "Uh, fine, I guess? I don't know? Not asked him," he replied getting his own mouthful of pasta.
"Oh? You don't ask your friends how they are? Weird..." he said in a slightly judging tone.
Didn't even ask him about it and had him as Luke!?
Was he lying? Playing it cool?
Kai took a glimpse to his left at the other, slight scowl at the accusation though Brooklyn had his gaze down on his plate, taking another stab at the pasta and huffing it into his mouth.
What was weird was the fact he was bringing him up in the first place... He ignored him and reached for his phone.
Oh, speak of the devil.
Kai's lip curled some at the text, setting his fork down for a second and typing his response.
Brooklyn glanced to his right.
"Who's that?" He asked innocently.
"Just Luke," Kai simply answered, sending off his reply and placing it back down on the table.
"Ooooh speak of the devil! Well could you maybe not not ask him how he's doing while we're eating dinner?" He said with a smile, but with a clear sharpness in his voice.
"Sure, sorry, mom," Kai bit back, though his heated glance matched his tone perfectly as he now started to stab at his own food. "Definitely an early night for you. Damn."
"Oh sure, give me shit. I come home and make sure you're fed and don't have to lift a finger, but sure, text away while you eat like the spoilt teenager you are..." Brooklyn muttered back
Kai set his fork down again letting it clatter on the ceramic plate.
"The fuck are you seriously trying to start with me for?! I can cook y'know, if it was an issue you should've just said and I'd have done it."
Brooklyn let out an annoyed sigh and groan.
"It isn't a problem! I'm happy to do it but you're always on your damn phone while we eat and I hate it! Its just rude!"
Kai scoffed at that blatant lie. "I literally picked it up for ten seconds, do you wanna not be so dramatic?!"
Jeez if this is what happens when he lifts a few bags of shit he was gonna call Barbara and get him back on plant watering duties.
Brooklyn lifted his hands up in 'defeat'.
"Fine! Sure! I'm dramatic! I'll just fuckin deal!" He huffed back.
At that Kai's phone buzzed again reminding Brooklyn of the cause of all this in the first place though to prove a point it remained untouched. Kai went back to his food, realllyy wanting to know the update of Luke's back and forth with Amanda but he could wait he guessed...
Luckily he only had to wait until Brooklyn went up to shower which was as soon as dinner was cleared away and was brought up to speed with the latest. There hadn't been any major development but the two of them were now talking at least so hopefully his cupid duties were done with now.
When things went a bit too quiet for too long downstairs, he eventually took himself upstairs to find the redhead curled up and out cold on the bed. Kai was still annoyed to say the least for whatever the hell that even was earlier but pulled the blanket over the snippy bastard anyways. Didn't want him catching a cold and having an actual reason to be in a strop.
The next morning, Kai woke to find Brooklyn already up and knew that today was more than likely going to consist of him going without breakfast and being denied a decent lunch too as his punishment. Why the other felt that overly bothered him he wasn't sure. He didn't need breakfast anyways and he was more than capable of making his own damn sandwich.
He stretched, figuring he had a few more minutes and rolled back over and by the time his second snooze went off, the door creaked open, floppy red mess coming in with a tray looking bright eyed and bushy tailed.
"Hey there...Good morning..." his soft, drawling voice greeted as he brought him warm croissants and coffee right to his bed.
Kai rubbed at his eyes as he sat himself up right with a slight frown. Was he still dreaming right now?
"Morning..." he returned with a tint of suspicion. "Sleep good?"
"Mmhmm." Brooklyn nodded with his extra serene smile in place. "I did. Feel much better for it." He told him as he held out the tray to him.
Taking it, the sweet smell of pastry mixed with the coffee aroma instantly made Kai's stomach growl. He couldn't really think of a better apology than this...
"Thanks, and good, I'm glad." Setting the tray on his lap above the sheets he reached for his coffee first and took a sip. "You got work today?"
"Yep! Working ten til three. Not too bad. I'll have something a bit better ready for dinner tonight." He chuckled at him, watching him with twinkling eyes seeing his efforts being enjoyed.
"You don't have to do anything fancy, Brook," Kai assured before popping some of the croissant he'd broken off into his mouth. "I'm fine with anything."
Brook made an even more pleased face at the pet name.
"I know I don't have to, but I like to. Your lunch is ready in the fridge too."
Kai smiled his thanks through his mouthful before covering his mouth to ask his next question with slight reluctance.
"What is it?"
Maybe breakfast in bed was just a fluke and he actually had some rancid salad for later...
"I made you chicken salsa wraps." He beamed at him.
He knew he loved it the last time he made it...
A hum of slight surprise escaped the other as he lowered his hand and swallowed. Breakfast in bed, one of his fave lunches... Apology well and truly accepted. Though, Brooklyn could've just said sorry for being a dramatic ass. Didn't have to go and do all this.
"Sounds good."
"Good..." he smiled at him, laying back on the bed alongside him to just enjoy the time together before he went.
Kai took a glance over to him, breaking apart another piece of croissant and slowly putting it into his mouth. Did... did he have to watch him?
"Y'alright?"
"Mmhmm. Yeh."
Kai sent him a nod before holding out the last of the first croissant.
"You want some?"
Brooklyn smiled a sly smile as he lifted his head, opening his mouth to take the small piece of pastry while making sure to suck his fingers a little at the same time.
Gently retracting his fingers, Kai sent over a look before mirroring the coy expression and starting on breaking apart the second croissant.
"Don't start..." he sent in playful warning. "I'll be late for school otherwise."
"Ohhh nooo, couldn't have that, could we?" Brooklyn said huskily as he walked his two fingers over in the direction of the other thing he wanted to taste.
Kai took hold of the rebellious hand and restrained it by his side.
"Don't you have work to get ready for too?"
The look on his face wiped right off.
"Oh..." he said after a few moments of stunned silence. "I guess...yeh?"
"Go on then," Kai shooed letting him go to pick up his coffee. "Save me some hot water."
Brooklyn stared at him in baffled disbelief as he nodded and shuffled off the bed.
As he reached the doorway, he looked back over his shoulder again, only to find Kai still enjoying his breakfast instead of begging him to come back and pleasure him like he'd hoped.
Well...this was a first...
When the bathroom door came to a close Kai seemed to relax some at not having an audience now.
What was up with him? He got it, Brooklyn was sorry. Didn't need all the fuss first thing on a morning though...
He finished his plate in peace, showered, dressed, and with his lunch now in his backpack, Kai zipped it up and threw it on his shoulder.
"I'll see you later then. Have a good day at work."
"You too! I'll make sure something sexy is on the table when you get home. Other than me that is!" He smiled over his shoulder.
Violet eyes rolled at the lameness though below was a small smirk.
"Goodbye, Brook." Was the dull reply before the front door closed and the redhead was left behind.
Brooklyn's face fell as he wrung the dish cloth in his hands.
...Why was he being so distant from him today?
He didn't like it...it didn't feel like them at all.
He too showered, getting changed in to his stupid polo shirt and throwing his own wrap in to his bag as he set off for another day at the garden center.
He sure hoped Kai was just having an off morning...
Yes, they were superior beings. But human none the less.
These things happened. The best thing to do would be to be supportive as ever, nourish his body, mind and soul and help keep his mind peaceful.
He arrived at work, holding in the sigh as he walked in the already open store with the smell of death lingering on the elderly customers that were currently browsing the potted plants.
He glanced at the ones they were choosing.
Not that one, they wouldn't likely live to see it bloom. But he did admire their enthusiasm.
"Brooklyn! Good morning sweetheart," Barbara greeted as she trotted over to him. "Go pop your bag in the back, I need you to tend to the carnations. We're going to have a little display rearrange today."
Brooklyn gave her a nod in 'good morning' back.
"Ah yes. The flower of uncaring men and unhappy wives and girlfriends worldwide. What am I doing with them?"
Maybe Kai had had a wet dream and was embarrassed to say? Could be why...
Barbara's lips parted though she hesitated. Perhaps today was going to be an off day. Stan had told her he only ever spoke negatively when things weren't right somewhere...
"On second thoughts, leave that for Oli. How about you go and water the hydrangeas. They could do with some TLC."
Brooklyn's slightly overcast face brightened.
"Ooooohhhh! I love hydrangeas!"
Barbara sent him a nod. She knew that.
"Ah, perfect task for you then! I trust you'll do a splendid job with them. I'll give you a shout in a while when you can go for lunch."
"Yes ma'am!" He replied as he skipped off, dropping his stuff in the staff room before taking himself to care for his beautiful blue, purple and pink babies.
URGH! Who had been in charge of these recently!? Deserved to be hung!
They looked scraggy and dehydrated...
...Was Kai all right? Was he stressed out with uni?
Had he not been noticing some signs?
Ooh they smelt so wonderful freshly watered...There you go my pretty's, drink up...
Had he been neglecting Kai? Is that what was wrong?
Perhaps he had gotten so comfortable that he hadn't realised how complacent things had become and Kai was growing bored of him.
He seemed to like his breakfast but it wasn't anything all that special now that he thought about it...
Like these stunning flowers he was surrounded with, Kai too was growing and perhaps he needed more care than ever now. His upmost attention...
He was a complex creature, who needed to be constantly intrigued or entertained otherwise he'd just get up and leave... move onto the next thing that excited him...
Like Luke perhaps...
He had to think outside the box. Think of new ways to keep his head turned in his direction.
Kai needed love, needed engaging, encouraging and amusing.
A little after twelve, Barbara came to fetch him for his half hour break.
Wooo! Salsa chicken tiiiime!
He wondered if Kai had enjoyed his yet.
As he settled in the staff room, he got his phone out to find out.
x-x-x
"And then I'd asked her 'strawberry or chocolate ice cream?' and she goes vanilla! Like honestly whose favourite ice cream out of allllll the flavours out there is vanilla?!"
"Mine is actually," Kai admitted, pulling a slight face at being deemed 'weird' and took the first bite from his wrap. "I like others but if it was a choice I'd always go vanilla."
"Really? Not chocolate?" Luke seemed to look at him in amazement digging into his own lunch.
Kai shook his head. "Too sickly after a while."
At feeling a buzz in his pocket he then fished out his phone and read over the text he'd just got. Responding with a [Perfect as always, thank you.]
"But yeah, vanilla, I could eat that all day long," he added and set his phone back down on the table in front.
"Well...I mean there's those half and half ones. Could get that." Luke pitched, waving the flag for chocolate ice cream.
He was a loyal servant.
He gazed over at Kai's lunch.
His beautiful, impressive looking lunch.
"Ooohhhh. Did Long Schlong Silver strike again?" He asked with a smirk.
Kai glanced up to him then back down to the wrap in his hand, his own coy look appearing. Not exactly Lukey boy, but he'd play along.
"Something like that..." he huffed a laugh before his voice trailed off when his phone lit up again and vibrated on the table. "What do you have?" he asked with his attention down on his screen.
Luke sighed.
"The lunch of a man who didn't get laid..." he said as he lowered his hands to show the basic white bread sandwich that he'd thrown together that morning.
Though he was showing it to no one as violet eyes remained down as Kai replied to the message that immediately came through to the text he'd just sent back.
Luke blinked and then wiggled his brows.
"Damn, son. He really cannot get enough of you, can he?"
At that, Kai looked up and immediately put the phone in his pocket once he'd sent his answer.
"Sorry," he tutted at himself for being rude. "What were you saying?"
Luke laughed.
"Don't apologise, man! Get it! I'm just gut wrenchingly jealous! Wish I had a girl that in to me!" He chuckled.
"But I was saying, the ice cream. She chooses vanilla so I'm thinking, shit, I can only take her on bland ass dates, if she says yes when I ask her out that is, but then she tells me she looooves spicy food!"
"Oh?" Kai cocked a brow, ignoring the small buzz against his thigh. "And do you?"
"As long as it aint too spicy, I guess! A-and she says she loves Thai food! I love Thai food too! You know a good place I could ask her to?"
Kai pondered for a moment, the phone buzzing against his thigh again becoming hard to ignore.
"There's that place not too far from the movie theatre," he suggested giving in and reaching for the damn thing. "Do some decent curry there."
Luke looked him up and down.
The look of discomfort.
The constant buzzing.
Failure to concentrate.
"You uh, got one of those vibrating things that are remote controlled?" He asked looking scared.
"N-NO!" Kai stuttered out in his horror at the accusation and showed him his phone.
"Just texting. Must be on his lunch too I guess."
Quickly making up that he was heading back to class now and assuring Brooklyn he'd see him in a few hours, Kai shoved the phone back his pocket so he could actually finish his lunch.
"So yeah. That place near the movies is good," he repeated more firmly and took another bite of his wrap.
Brooklyn put his phone down and stared at it.
What was with the one word answers?
Hm. Maybe just busy...
He made himself eat his own delightful lunch before he clocked back in, doing three more hours work til he got the privilege of clocking out.
He needed to pull the stops out tonight.
Something that took time, effort.
Had some zhuzh! Pizzazz!
Italian?
Nah. Was great and all, but pasta was pasta.
Ahhhhhhh, what about French?
The language of love and the cuisine of champions!
He walked to the store, knowing full well he had to hustle if he was going to have it going by the time Kai got home.
A coq au vin took time. Needed a good quality red wine...
OOOOOH and nice crusty bread!
Whizzing round the store, he speed walked home, getting to work the second his shoes were off.
He'd find a good movie or something to go with this. Really get him relaxed and connected with him.
All the while Kai was enduring his first mock quiz on 'leadership and managing a team.' Pft. He'd been doing that for years. Glorified babysitter since he was thirteen.
'How would you resolve conflict within your team?'
Pfffttt... Tell them to grow up and fix their shit or they're out. Simple. Though that probably wasn't what his teacher was wanting to hear...
'I would sit down with each individual and discuss what their indifferences were, taking both parties thoughts and feelings into account before coming to a joint agreement on what can be done to resolve the issue(s).'
God he wanted to vom.
After an announcement from the teacher up front, all pens were set down before sheets of paper started to be passed forward, Luke's face looking just as bored as Kai's was as they passed paper along. When they were long gone and collected, the clock struck freedom and Kai rose from his seat as he started to shove his things back in his bag.
"The hell are you going?" Luke asked as he cocked a bored brow.
Kai pointed up, gesturing to the bell that had just finished ringing throughout the room.
"Home?" He seemed to question like the other was stupid.
Luke gave him his "are you stupid?" Look right back.
"Oh? Not sticking around for Finance B with Larkins? The one that has a three strikes you're out attendance policy?"
Kai's mouth fell open at the realisation. "Shit, that's today?"
"Uhyeeeeeessssss?" Luke droned back.
Kai groaned some before slumping back down into his seat in a huff.
"Fuck my life..." he muttered. "Like that wasn't draining enough gotta endure another hour and half with this guy?"
Getting his things back out he locked on his phone at the bottom of his bag and pulled it out. He'd best tell Brooklyn he was gonna be a little late home tonight...
x-x-x
Brooklyn hummed as he chopped his mushrooms, ever so slightly wiggling his hips as he played music in his head.
Mmmm he could taste that red wine beauty in his face right no-
His phone buzzed.
He dusted off his hands and fished it out his pocket, opening it up and reading it over.
The joy in him seeped out his pores.
That inconsiderate, lying, manipulative asshole! They'd talked all day! He'd brought up he would have everything ready three times at least.
And he waits til now!?
Every effort chewed up and spat right back in his face!
His hands gripped the chopping board, swinging wildly and sending it all flying. Knives and graters screaming as they clattered against the floor while he was left seething.
Though there was no evidence of the violent outburst by the time Kai stepped through the door two hours later, looking like he was completely done with the world and slightly damp from the light rainfall that had caught him just as he approached his home.
Pushing open the front door, the warmth of inside immediately hitting his cool skin and sending a shiver through him, he ran a hand through his dishevelled hair before easing his backpack off his shoulder and let it fall to the floor as he kicked his shoes off.
"Brook I'm home!" he called, and at noticing he wasn't down here instantly stepped over to the stairs.
Silence greeted him. Making him lift a brow.
"Brooklyn?"
Something in his gut told him something was off and when he pushed open the bedroom door all became clear.
Ahhhhh shit... The rock on the forehead.
"Go away..." an annoyed but droning voice bit at him.
A small sigh escaped Kai's nose as he quietly toed further into the room and towards the bed Brooklyn was sprawled on.
"I completely forgot I had an extra class today," Kai explained as he perched on the edge of the bed, his guilty expression looking over the other whose eyes remained closed. "My bad..."
Though Brooklyn's ass and hips shuffled along the bed away from him like an irked starfish.
"Hn. Whatever..."
"Brook, come on..." Kai pleaded some, really not wanting to deal with any more sulking right now as he crawled on the bed and sat crossed legged beside him.
"It isn't like I did it on purpose..." he softly continued, hand ghosting at Brooklyn's shirt to try get his attention. "Just slipped my mind... I was up and ready to leave til Luke reminded me... I'm sorry."
Brooklyn's frown deepened, making the rock slip down his forehead.
"You? Mr. Perfectionist? Forgetting you had class?" He muttered in disbelief.
"I know right, but what can I say?" Kai played along with a shrug. "That amazing lunch must have done something to my powers..."
One teal eye creaked open.
"Save your flattery..." he huffed at him, closing it again.
Kai couldn't help but smirk at the dramatic scene before throwing a leg over and straddling his waist.
"Oh come onnn... I said I was sorry..."
Nestling down so their chests touched, Kai then snuggled in the crook of Brooklyn's neck and closed his eyes.
"Today was battle enough, don't fight with me... wanted nothing more than to just come home... I missed you..."
Both eyes were open now...
His heart fluttered, feeling a stupid smile creep on his face.
He...believed him.
Maybe he had been too hasty.
"You did?" He asked, lapping it right up.
"Mhmm..." Kai hummed nuzzling into his neck.
Brooklyn's dopey smile stretched as he tilted his head to nuzzle more and chuckled.
Mmmm. He'd accept this apology any day.
His arms came up to drape over, pulling him closer.
He liked this...this closeness.
Kai relaxed completely into him, enjoying the warmth currently wrapped around him and exhaled a small sigh of content. Crisis averted, and no thanks to pink rock...
With the blanket of calm draped over them, Brooklyn felt Kai drift off and his breaths become softer.
Oh, how he loved moments like this. Truly he did...
He felt an odd buzzing in his head as a familiar sensation washed over him.
He tilted his head, and as expected, caught red glowing eyes in the dim room.
"Hey..." he greeted in a happy, whispered chuckle.
"He's lying..."
Brooklyn rolled his eyes.
"Oooh, hush! He is not. Look at him! He was sorry. He clearly made a mistake."
"His new friend put him up to it..."
Brooklyn's face slowly went from annoyed to angry.
"No he didn't! He isn't that weak willed!"
"YOU know it to be true! You're letting your pathetic human affection get in the way of your logic! It will destroy you both!"
Brooklyn startled at the piercing, angry roar.
At the movement beneath him Kai too shifted, inhaling a deep breath before fluttering his eyes open. He must've dozed off...
"Hey did you eat dinner?" he quietly sent into Brooklyn's neck, blissfully unaware of the fear currently gracing his face.
Brooklyn clutched on to him harder and shivered, feeling his racing heart slow slightly under his comfort while his eyes went back to find his dark companion had vanished again.
"Not yet..."
A small muffled sound of discomfort came from Kai as he was squeezed and patted his hand gently on Brooklyn's side to release him.
"Let's go eat then..." he suggested, easing himself to sit up right on his waist again. "I'm starving."
x-x-x
Another two gruelling days of school had passed by and if Kai wasn't over it all before, he definitely was now. University was nothing like high school... fuck what he'd give to just go back... The classes now were dull, the lectures dragged on for what felt like hours... He was so ready for some kind of break as his mind just felt fried.
"I'm gonna have a bath..." he sluggishly announced, setting his cutlery down on his half eaten dinner and took himself upstairs to the bathroom.
Brooklyn didn't have time to respond, his mouth being full of rice as Kai quickly took off.
He looked down at his abandoned plate and felt his entire being sink.
Was it not good!?
He'd never seen Kai leave food like that.
He did seem tired...
Was he sick!? Stressed!?
He threw his own cutlery down. Screw his hunger and effort to make a meal, Kai needed a hot beverage!
Thank god he bought that ginger tea!
Kai slumped on the closed toilet seat as the water slowly started to fill the tub, eyelids starting to slip closed on him already before he shook it off. He had another small exam Friday and having received his alright results from the last one he knew he had to work harder.
Cynthia got the best grade in the class. Obviously. Fuckin bitch... That used to be him - Top student. What the hell happened?
He opened up the cupboard under the sink and peered inside. There must be something in here of Brooklyn's to give him all knowing knowledge of the world of business and such...
Lavender and rosemary bath soak... Eh that'll do.
Carelessly pouring in more than double the amount needed for adequate bubbles, Kai set the bottle back in the cupboard and closed the door. A small sigh escaping him as he ran his hands through his hair. He couldn't remember the last time he felt this exhausted. Not so much physically but mentally.
Making a face at the slightly out of control bubbles before him, he turned off the tap and gently eased himself in, steadily getting used to hot water before emerging himself fully.
At least it smelled nice...
Lifting the cup close to his nose, Brooklyn inhaled.
Mmmmmm that smelled good!
Ginger was good for a common cold, stomach problems and reinvigorating. All the possible boxes checked in one glorious brew.
He carried it up, going to the bathroom door and knocking gently.
"Kai?"
Hm. No answer.
He waited a moment before frowning and pressing his ear against the door.
Couldn't hear anything?
He tried the door and luckily it opened, pushing it to let himself in.
He smiled as he took him in, bubbles fading around him but floating in patches while he seemed to sleep soundly.
He stepped in further, setting the tea down on the side and looking over him.
Oooohhhh...
What a joy it was to look at him nude. Never got old. Each time felt just as arousing as the first.
His thighs could crack nuts, his arms could kill a man, could grate cheese on his abs.
But oooooh, god also blessed him with a tiny, pretty waist.
Balanced out his hyper masculine features with some softness.
Not to mention he loved nothing more than holding on to them while he fucked him from behind.
He sighed.
Welp. Now he was turned on and hungry...with a feast right in front of him, enticing and tempting.
He gently sunk to his knees at the side of the bath, still studying and watching the little islands of bubbles gravitate around him while he rest his arms and chin on the edge.
This was perhaps how the prince felt when he came across Snow White.
Only he doubted the prince did what he was about to do...
His pale hand gently sunk in to the water, drifting towards a muscular thigh in search of hidden treasure.
At the sudden slither against his leg Kai was pulled instantly from his dozed state and gasped out in fright causing water to splash everywhere.
SPIDER!?
"Oh my god, what are you doing?!" he yelped, immediately going to cover himself with his heart racing inside his heaving chest.
Brooklyn let out a long snort before he started laughing.
"Oh shit! Baby! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you like that." He laughed as he looked down at his now soaked clothes.
"I brought you tea and then for some reason I got thirsty..." He said as his hand delved back under the water to cup him.
Kai however didn't see the funny side. He just wanted half an hour by himself. Was that really too much to ask?!
"Well I don't want it! So just- stop! Go away!" he shrieked in his embarrassment, squeezing his thighs closed and squirming from him.
Brooklyn didn't move his hand. Only on the count of the impressive vice like thighs cutting off the blood supply to his hand.
"Aw, come on...you don't mean that." He purred.
Kai continued to scowl at him, grabbing his arm and pushing it away from him.
No, in another instance he wouldn't have meant it at all, but right now?
"I really do. So can you just give me some space? I'm tired and I just wanna be left alone."
Brooklyn blinked at him as his brain tried to compute.
He was really wanting him to go away?
He frowned a little before the bitchy and sulky face Kai knew all too well came on.
"Fine. Got it." He huffed as he got himself up from the wet floor and grabbed the cup.
Fuck him. He didn't deserve this ginger tea!
Kai gladly watched him go, and at the slam of the bathroom door sunk back down into the water with what bubbles still remained. He'd only wanted an hour or so but after that reaction knew it would be silence for the rest of the evening now.
He exhaled a long sigh and closed his eyes again, deflating further, sliding down until his head was completely submerged under and the water filled and muted his hearing.
Was fine... he wanted an early night anyways...