Work Text:
I reached my arms up and intertwined my fingers before bending backwards and stretching my back. Finally, a long day of work was over. I walked over to the entrance of the shop, near the serving counter, so I could flip over the sign that advertised the cafe as open.
As I reached to touch the smooth, wooden sign, I noticed how warm it was. Undoubtedly the work of the sun piering in through the glass door and windows that took over most of the walls. The whole cafe was given a pleasant warmth due to it. A warmth that could have quickly turned into an unbearable heat had it not been for the miracle work of the air conditioners
But that didn’t matter now, all that mattered was ending the work day. I flipped the sign and turned around only to find Basil tending to some plants on the other side of the cafe. That was how it normally went; I tended to the people and he tended to the plants.
While charming in his own adorable way, he was never much a people person. In fact, quite the opposite with his shy and sensitive nature. That was why I handled the customer service and he did, well really everything else. I appreciated how dedicated he could be; he always got things done quietly and efficiently.
In fact, he often got rather wrapped up in his own little world when he put himself to work. It was likely why he didn’t notice me pushing past some plants and coming up behind him. Though, despite hitching his breath and humming in acknowledgment, he didn’t give much of a reaction as I slithered my arms around his waist and rested my chin on his shoulder.
He had gotten used to me sneaking behind him after years of shared routines and days that seemed to blend together. I pressed a smile against the exposed skin of his neck as I remembered the first time I had snuck up on him like this. The poor man had nearly jumped out of his skin the first time. It had taken him a while to grow used to my constant and quite random affections. But grow used it, he did.
It seemed that it was my turn to be caught off guard as he laughed and set down his watering can with a heavy ‘thunk.’
“What are you smiling about?” He asked.
My grin didn’t falter as I uncurled my arms from him and took a step back.
I hummed as I told him. “Nothing much, just remembering something funny.”
“What did you remember?”
Basil asked as he turned to face me with a gentle smile. The way he looked so open with curiosity, his features soft with clear adoration on his face; I couldn’t have helped myself even if I tried. Which I didn’t.
I just responded by cupping his face and pressing a chaste kiss to his lips. I then reached behind his head and took out the band from his hair. I took his hair bun into my hands and slowly undid it. I then ran my hand through the blond hair to smooth it out.
When his hair was fully let down, I took some of the longer strands and twisted it between my fingers.
“Just remembering the Great Hair Fiasco.”
He responded by pulling me close so he could bury his face into my shoulder. I could feel him groan into my skin as the memories, no doubt, flooded back into his mind.
“Don’t remind me.” He complained.
I just responded with a laugh and a quick peck to the top of his head.
“Cmon, let’s go upstairs and take a shower. You, my love, smell like dirt.”
He pulled away with a hint of mischief in his eyes that quickly disappeared as he considered whether to go on with his idea or his comment or whatever just crossed his brain. Whatever he had in mind, he didn’t follow through as he just nodded and took off his work gloves.
He laid it down next to the watering can and looked over at me.
“Did you close up?” He asked.
“Of course I did, now c'mon.” I said as I swatted him lightly on a butt.
He let out an embarrassed noise of surprise but just followed along with me as I headed towards the stairs that lead from the cafe to our apartment.
The shift between apartment from cafe was obvious the moment you walked through our doors. The pleasant warmth turned into a pleasant cool that our bodies desperately craved and the smells of flora and coffee turned to smells of well.. really just air.
“You can take the first shower.” I announced as I took off my work apron and put it on a hanger we had near the door.
I kicked off my shoes into a corner near the entrance then made my way past the kitchen and over to the living room. There laid the true love of my life. The sweet comfort of our couch after a long day of standing around. I was quick to move into its embrace as I laid down.
I could feel his eyes on me so I just waved my hand dismissively.
“It’s fine, Basil. I don’t mind. In fact, I’m asking you to take the first shower. You don’t need to worry, go ahead. You need it more than me anyways.”
Basil walked over to the couch and reached to grab a blanket from the other side of the couch. I didn’t protest what he was doing. In fact, I just shifted so I would be more comfortable when he approached. When he got close enough, he draped the blanket over me and kissed the top of my head.
He clearly saw through my plan of making him take first shower so I could get a little rest before I went. He always took a long time in the shower so I normally had time to take a quick cat nap before he got out. Though, I had a feeling he let me sleep past when he got out of the shower so I could get some more shut eye.
I only ever asked for a second shower when I was truly tired so he never really questioned it. Instead, he seemed content with just making sure I was comfortable before he left to the bathroom so he could take a shower.
I tugged the end of the blanket over my shoulders and smiled to myself silently as I thought of how sweet my husband was to do such simple yet thoughtful things to show his love. I truly was lucky.
It was all I thought of as I was lulled to sleep by the sound of water running in the room next over.