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SNOW CRUNCHED UNDER Jerrell’s boots as he walked up the ramp to Rafi’s ranch house, and he shoved his hands a little deeper into his pockets. He always bought himself a pair of gloves at the beginning of winter, and he always managed to lose them after just a few months. He could remember having them in December, because he’d worn them when he’d gone to visit his parents for Christmas. Now though, New Year’s Eve–or afternoon, anyway–and he couldn’t find them. It was ridiculous.
He got to Rafi’s door and used his key to unlock it, which was its own little thrill. Rafi had given it to him just a couple weeks ago, when they’d had their own little personal Christmas celebration. It was his first time actually using it, he got a rush of pleasure at the door easily swinging open.
Rafi was still at work and wouldn’t be home for a while yet. He had New Year’s Day off though, as did Jerrell. Jerrell was going to spend the night, and then they’d get all tomorrow together too. For now, however, Jerrell had suggested that he bring over dinner and have it ready for when Rafi got home. The delighted expression on Rafi’s face alone had been totally worth the suggestion.
Jerrell was hoping to see that expression again, when Rafi saw what he had meant by “bringing over dinner.”
He unslung his backpack, set it on the kitchen counter, and began pulling out ingredients. He preferred making desserts, but he was no stranger to the rest of a kitchen. Rafi had experienced Jerrell cooking before, and had even been coaxed into helping, but this would be the first time Rafi would be coming home to Jerrell. Jerrell wanted it to be special.
Time to get to work.
***
SINCE HE WAS USED TO baking with a precise plan to meet demand at specific times, Jerrell knew to start with the naan first, since that needed an hour to proof before being cooked. Once that was mixed and rising, he cleaned out the stand mixer so it’d be ready for when he needed it for the dessert. That was a nice thing about chocolate lava cake; it baked up fast and needed to be served immediately, but the batter could be made in advance. Ready to go and then a mere fifteen-minute wait, it was perfect to have after a leisurely dinner.
Rafi hadn’t even owned a stand mixer until the middle of November, when Jerrell had made a crack about how most baking endeavors needed to be done at his place, because he was not about whipping egg whites by hand.
The next time Jerrell had gone over, a brand-new mixer had been sitting proudly on Rafi’s counter.
He got the lamb rogan josh simmering, set the table, took care of the roasted vegetables, and had everything timed so that the rice was just done and ready to be fluffed after he’d finished cooking the naan and had it resting under paper towels.
And just in time to hear the front door open.
Jerrell grinned to himself. The house smelled amazing, and he knew it’d be the first thing Rafi would notice when he came in. He didn’t go to greet him though, instead plating and fluffing the rice, then going over to add the garam masala to the rogan josh. He was turning away from the stove right when Rafi stepped into the kitchen.
“Hey,” Jerrell said with a smile. “Welcome home. Had a good day?”
Rafi looked, wide-eyed, from Jerrell to the set table, to the pots and covered dishes on the stove and counter. “I didn’t realize you’d be making dinner. How much time did all this take you?”
Jerrell shrugged nonchalantly. “Thought it’d be fun to have you come home to something home-cooked on New Year’s Eve.”
Rafi came further into the kitchen. “This is amazing. Thank you.”
Jerrell grinned at Rafi’s awe. “Let’s see how everything tastes first.”
“It could be awful,” Rafi said, stopping in front of him. “It won’t be, because I know you, but even if it were, you still thought of it and spent all this time, and it’s amazing.” He smiled up at Jerrell, winding his arms around Jerrell’s neck. “You’re amazing.”
Jerrell grinned, fighting the urge to duck his head. “You’re not so bad yourself.” Then he leaned in give Rafi a proper welcome home.
***
THEY CLEARED THE TABLE together while the lava cakes baked, Rafi putting away the leftovers while Jerrell took care of loading the dishwasher. When everything was clean, Jerrell unmolded and plated the cakes. Rafi busied himself with pulling out two wine glasses and then heading to the cabinet where he kept his collection.
“Port or zinfandel?” Rafi liked wine and had a refined palate, but Jerrell had both those things plus training and an interest in all things food. Hyper focusing on learning about wine pairings was something he’d done on multiple occasions.
“The port for sure.”
Rafi grinned at him and grabbed the bottle, and they walked together into the living room. Rafi uncorked the port and poured, and Jerrell handed him a plate of cake.
He watched eagerly for Rafi’s reaction and Rafi didn’t disappoint, closing his eyes in pleasure at the first bite. “Good?”
Rafi opened his eyes. “Fantastic.”
Jerrell had to smile at the praise, no matter that he’d been hearing it all evening for every dish Rafi had tried. Even after months, Rafi was still very free with his compliments, but he was so sincere that it never sounded like pandering.
At Rafi’s request, Jerrell described how he’d made the cake, and then went into the chemical reactions that allowed the cake itself to bake while leaving the middle molten. The conversation lasted until they’d finished their dessert.
The empty plates and forks were set on the coffee table to be dealt with later, and they spent the next while reading quietly in the living room, curled up together on the couch. Jerrell had originally planned to stay up til midnight, but used to early hours, he was starting to droop by ten-thirty, even if he’d taken his usual nap earlier that day.
Rafi pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Why don’t we get ready to turn in,” he murmured against Jerrell’s skin. “It’s late.”
“You don’t want to stay up til midnight?” Jerrell asked sleepily as Rafi tugged him to his feet and started to lead him down the hall.
Rafi shook his head. “It’s fun enough, but arbitrary. You’re tired, and you’ve done so much today.”
“You worked too,” Jerrell protested as they walked into Rafi’s bedroom.
Rafi turned back to face him, taking both of Jerrell’s hands and kissing him softly. “All I want is you with me,” he said in the quiet of the room. “I want to go to bed with you tonight, and wake up with you tomorrow.” His smile turned playful. “And tomorrow morning I’m going to very much enjoy keeping you in my bed for a while. But for now,” he continued easily, “I’ll be happy enough sleeping next to you.”
Jerrell had to kiss him again.
***
UNDER THE COVERS TOGETHER, in the dark of the bedroom, Jerrell found Rafi’s hand and laced their fingers together. “Rafi?”
“Hm?”
“I love you.”
Rafi sighed happily. “And I’m so incredibly lucky.” He brushed his lips against Jerrell’s shoulder. “I love you too.”
