Work Text
It's bright white outside when Kokichi awakes. It started snowing last evening, but today, it seems the outside is coated in a thick white blanket already. The bed is pleasantly warm and he stretches, not quite feeling like getting up. The spot next to him is empty, but that in itself isn't surprising. Korekiyo needs a long time in the morning to get ready, so Kokichi rarely wakes up while he's still asleep.Yawning, he rubs his eyes and rolls around to glance at the clock. 10 am. Kokichi blinks and looks again. He doesn't have anywhere to be today, but he rarely ever oversleeps this long, and why didn't Korekiyo wake him for breakfast? He's usually so adamant about it. Squinting, he forces himself upright and swings his legs out of bed. His bare feet sink into the carpet when he pads out of the bedroom, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes while he trails into the living room.The radio is playing softly from the kitchen, the scent of chocolate and something sweet hanging in the air. So Korekiyo is definitely up and about. Kokichi makes his way to the doorframe and stops in his tracks. The table in the living room has been replaced by a kotatsu - a purple and black plaid pattern on the blanket, and a fluffy ball of white and red curled into a ball at the corner, purring."No way, Kiyo-chan got a kotatsu for Kyuu-chan?"Korekiyo got the red birman for Kokichi's birthday. He's been wanting a cat ever since he was little. That was already an expensive gift, and Kokichi isn't used to getting early Christmas surprises. Korekiyo is sitting at the table, his legs folded under the blanket and his hair bound up in a ponytail. He's wearing a fluffy purple sweater and black leggings with thick wool socks poking out from under the kotatsu.Kokichi briefly gets struck how beautiful he looks, relaxed and comfortable like this. There's a tray with fresh waffles and two mugs of hot chocolate on the table, waiting for him."Good morning love", he says softly and smiles, closing his eyes, "My apologies for the late breakfast. You were sleeping so soundly, Kyuu and me decided to swiftly set up the kotatsu as surprise for you. I had been meaning to wait, but it seemed a good occasion."Kokichi beams and hops over to him, quickly shuffling under the blanket next to him. It's warm and fluffy and Kokichi leans against Korekiyo, resting his chin against his shoulder and sighs contently."It's not even Christmas yet", he lulls, playing with a strand of long green hair."It's always right to make you happy, love", Korekiyo returns, "You mentioned you wished for one when you were younger.""Yeah, like I wanted a cat, and Kiyo-chan got me one. You know you don't have to buy me everything?""But I want to."Kokichi pouts, but it melts immediately upon seeing Korekiyo smile. He hasn't been wearing his mask at home for a while, and each and every time Kokichi gets reminded how he's been hiding his pretty face for such a long time."Now then, are you hungry? The waffles are going to turn cold."Korekiyo pushes the tray over and Kokichi's stomach groans. "Could get used to Kiyo-chan spoiling me every morning", he says and stuffs his mouth."One step at a time, dear. There's only so much you can swallow at once."Kokichi coughs and Korekiyo has the audacity to laugh. His fingers wrap around his mug and bring it to his lips, blowing against the hot chocolate. He's watching Kokichi without break, and Kokichi grins, tilting his head. "What'cha looking at, Kiyo-chan?"Kyuu stretches her legs and rolls tighter into the blanket, purring even louder. Korekiyo takes a sip of his chocolate before he lowers the mug again. "I enjoy watching you being happy", he says simply.Kokichi blinks. It's such a genuine simple response, but it makes his heart race. He leans forward and kisses him, softly traces his tongue along the edge of his lips to catch a taste of the drink before leaning back, exaggeratingly licking his own lip."You have your own chocolate, yes?", Korekiyo says.Kokichi puts his hand over his eyes and shakes his head. "Can't see any! Must catch a taste of Kiyo-chan, no choice!"Korekiyo huffs and softly shakes his head. Kokichi peeks through the gap between his fingers, watching him drink again, this time leaving a thin line of chocolate on his upper lip. He giggles and leans in for another kiss, sighing contently into the touch.Kokichi traces his hand along Korekiyo's arm down to his hand and awkwardly interlaces their fingers, leaning against him again and closes his eyes."Are you still tired, love?", Korekiyo asks and puts the mug down on the tray."Hm, nope! Just like being warm and being with Kiyo-chan.""I was thinking about heading out to get a tree today, but we can delay it if you are tired."Kokichi pokes his side and Korekiyo makes a wheezy squealing noise. Kyuu raises her head and yawns and Kokichi starts laughing. "Squeaky toy", he presses out between giggles.Korekiyo glares at him, before he simply leans in and shuts him up with another kiss. Kokichi feels himself tilt backwards and wraps his arms around Korekiyo, softly swaying back and forth for a moment while they kiss."Tree sounds nice", Kokichi breathes into his lips, parting just a bit to speak, "Can we take Kyuu?""On a leash, yes", Korekiyo sighs, "Have you been teaching her well?""Of course! She's a phantom thief apprentice!""I'm sure she is, dear."Kokichi is overwhelmed by a wave of anxious fondness. It flutters in his chest like wild butterflies and threatens to spill from his eyes.Because he remembers times Korekiyo wouldn't dare to address him by anything but his last name, couldn't handle being touched and the prospect of leaving their home would've ruined his day.Kokichi lets himself sink back against Korekiyo and buries his face against his shoulder, laying his arms around him and tugs his fingers under the belt line of his leggings."Changed your mind?", he asks.Kokichi hums and subtly shakes his head. "Nuh-uh. Just a little while longer. I love cuddling with Kiyo-chan."He can feel Korekiyo pause, before a hand cards through Kokichi's hair. "All the time in the world", he mumbles, "I love being with you too." Just five more minutes, before his chocolate turns too cold to drink. Just a little longer, bathing in Korekiyo's presence knowing his promise of better days for them weren't a lie, and Korekiyo knows. Because he trusts him fully, these days. And that's the best gift of all.