Work Text:
It's date night tonight.
Specifically, it’s movie night, which means that Kim and Chay are going to get ready and go to their favorite movie theater - the one with big, comfy reclining seats and waiter service - and watch a movie they’ve been wanting to for a while now.
Tonight, the theater is showing several Studio Ghibli movies, and since Howl’s Moving Castle is one of Kim’s favorites since he was a kid, it’s really a no brainer as to what they’re going to watch. Kim was allowed to choose the movie, which means Chay will get to choose the snacks, and Kim is already thinking of how to pull his best puppy dog eyes so that Chay gets him Skittles.
As the steam fills up the bathroom and fogs up the mirror and the glass door of the shower, Kim turns the water off and runs his fingers through his wet hair. He breathes deeply through the steam; he’s always loved taking long showers with water that’s hot enough that Chay describes it as being like lava from hell. It always makes Kim chuckle when Chay says it. It’s funny.
Anyways.
Kim rolls his shoulders back and runs a hand down his face, blinking water droplets out of his eyes. He wants to stay here in the warm, steam-filled shower, but he knows he has to come out. He has to get ready for their date.
Right as he’s about to step out of the shower, there’s a knock to the bathroom door.
“Kim?” Chay’s voice is low and soft, but Kim hears it in the near deafening silence of the bathroom. He blinks slowly, a little lazily at Chay’s tone.
“Yes?”
“I think you’ve been in there long enough, baby. You should come out now.”
Kim swallows, something warm and gentle filling his body; the frequently present knot in the middle of his chest unravels and it feels easier to breathe, the way it always does when Chay adapts this tone of voice.
“Okay.” Kim’s not sure if Chay’s heard him, given how softly he speaks, but he’s reassured that Chay did when the younger taps his fingers against the door three times.
Okay.
Kim tries not to rush through the process of towel drying his body, but he wants to get out to Chay as fast as possible. When he nearly slips on the wet tiles, he gulps and stands still for a few seconds. He shouldn’t rush. Chay isn’t going to be too pleased if Kim slips and hurts himself in his rush, and he’s also not going to be pleased if Kim comes out with wet skin.
Kim’s always been a little too easy to get sick.
He slows down and properly dries off with a big fluffy red towel, then he takes another one to wrap around his waist, throwing the wet one in the laundry hamper. He grabs another towel to run through his hair, but only once, because Chay likes drying his hair for him, and Kim likes the soft, gentle way Chay does it.
When Kim finally steps out of the bathroom with his hair towel slung over his shoulder, he’s greeted by the sight of Chay carefully laying out clothes on the bed. Kim’s heart does a little somersault in his chest. Chay is choosing his outfit for him.
“Come here, darling.”
Kim pads up to Chay, who still stands with his back turned towards him. Kim’s feet are bare and the carpet is soft against his toes as he steps up to the bed. Chay glances at him then, lips curling up into a soft smile. He lifts a hand to cup Kim’s cheek, swiping his thumb across Kim’s cheekbone and behind his ear, rubbing the sensitive skin there. Kim’s lips part with a soft exhale, eyelashes fluttering as his eyes slip shut. He’s already feeling soft, warm and a little floaty. Just floaty enough to be fully aware yet feel none of his usual anxiety.
“Your shower was long. Was it nice?”
Kim nods, opening his eyes. “It was very nice.” He bites his lip, feeling a little shy. “Would have been nicer with you.”
Chay’s eyes crinkle with his fond smile, and he leans in to press a kiss to Kim’s forehead that has Kim preening like a cat.
“Cute.” Chay mutters, scratching behind Kim’s ear. “Next time I’ll join you. I was busy choosing your outfit for tonight, baby.”
Kim blinks, forcing himself to focus. He breaks eye contact with Chay when Chay tips his head to the side, and he looks to the bed.
There, he sees a simple pair of black jeans laid out - the soft ones, the ones that barely even feel like they’re made of denim at all, the ones that make Kim the happiest - and a simple, soft maroon red cashmere sweater. Kim trails his eyes down to the carpet and sees a simple pair of black leather boots.
Kim’s face blooms in a smile. His chest feels like it’s expanding like a balloon - love and warmth fizzling in his veins and floating up to his heart. He looks back up to Chay, who is studying his expression even though they both already know what Kim thinks of the outfit.
“Do you like it, love?”
Kim immediately nods, his smile growing in size. “I do. Those are my favorite jeans, and I love that sweater and the boots are so comfy. Thank you, Chay.”
Chay nods. “I wanted something that you would feel comfortable and good in, but also something that you would feel pretty in. I know how much you like always looking put together.”
Kim nods, stepping closer to curl his hands around Chay’s arm, squeezing gently. It’s his way of showing affection, of showing how thankful he is without having to put it into words if he’s feeling too soft. Chay leans in to press a kiss to his forehead and lays his hand over Kim’s on his arm, tangling their fingers together.
“I also chose jewelry for you. Not too many rings tonight because if you’re going to be eating those cheesy nachos, then you’ll just get the rings dirty.”
Kim nods. That’s okay. Kim likes that Chay doesn’t just say no or decides against something without providing proper explanation. He always explains why something is not on the table, and his reasons always make sense too.
Chay’s a good Dom, Kim thinks dreamily.
“So I chose those dangly spiky earrings you like, and then of course - “ Chay gestures towards the bed again, and Kim shakes himself from slipping too far into his thoughts; he looks over, squinting his eyes until he notices what he previously missed. There, right next to the collar of the sweater, lays Kim’s thin-as-a-straw white gold chain with the letter C pendant delicately dangling in the middle.
Kim’s smile threatens to break his face in half.
“Thank you,” he whispers, nuzzling his face against Chay’s shoulder. Chay kisses the top of his head.
“Come on, I’ll dry your hair for you.” Chay gestures to the floor, and Kim lets go of his arm to sink down to the carpet at the edge of the bed. Chay sits down on the bed, places a pillow on the ground and waits for Kim to scoot in between his parted legs.
Once Kim is settled on the pillow between his boyfriend’s legs, Chay grabs the towel from Kim’s shoulder and begins his usual careful process. Kim’s eyes slip shut and his shoulders sink as his body relaxes fully.
He gets lost in Chay’s gentle and soothing touches, the careful way he runs the towel through Kim’s damp hair. He doesn’t notice the time passing, but he knows the hair drying is over when Chay leans in to press a kiss to each of Kim’s bare shoulders.
“It’s done,” Chay whispers, running a hand down Kim’s shoulder blade, then back up again to cup his nape. He tilts Kim’s head to the side and presses his mouth to the side of his neck. Kim hums as Chay leaves a little trail of kisses on the skin. “I’ll go get you a glass of water because you haven’t drunk enough of it today, okay? You can start getting dressed.”
“Okay.” Kim agrees. He slowly rises to his feet, chest singing when he feels Chay’s hand on his back; hovering, like he’s already itching to guide Kim, but allowing Kim to move on his own.
It’s nice. Kim knows that once they step out of the apartment, Chay will not let go of his hand. He will lead Kim through the crowded streets of night time Bangkok with a firm and gentle hand on his back, around his waist. Keeping Kim firmly tethered to the solid ground below, keeping Kim feeling safe and comfortable.
But right now, Chay still allows Kim to move without his guidance because it’s just them and Kim is okay, no anxiety present.
“Thank you,” Kim whispers before Chay steps away. The younger man looks up, a slightly curious glint in his eye.
“For what, my love?”
Kim ducks his head, pressing a palm against Chay’s clothed chest.
“For everything.”
Chay lays his palm over Kim’s and uses his free hand to cup Kim’s jaw, carefully applying gentle pressure - enough pressure to make Kim lift his head and his gaze.
“None of this.” Chay gently reminds, keeping firm eye contact. “We do this because we both enjoy it, okay? I enjoy taking care of you like this. You don’t have to thank me for this, remember?”
Kim nods. “I know. I just wanted to say thank you. Not because I - well, not because of that.” His ears heat up a bit, but Chay looks a little relieved.
“Okay. That’s good. No self doubt, yeah?”
Kim nods immediately. Smiles. “None, I promise.”
Chay nods, leaning in to press their mouths together for a lingering, sweet kiss. It’s soft and it warms up Kim from the inside - makes him feel good, makes the floaty feeling in his body stay without a falter.
“Good.” Chay whispers, pressing another kiss to Kim’s mouth. “I’ll get your water, start getting dressed, okay?”
Kim nods, smiling when Chay presses three extra kisses to his lips and whispers out a good boy.
The words add extra energy to Kim’s movements as he begins carefully pulling on his clothes, and his body buzzes with a soft type of energy. He’s very excited for date night.
Chay always takes such good care of him, after all.