[ It was the end of another school day and Booker didn't have a shift at the University bookstore. That meant he got to go home which wasn't the dorm anymore. Home was a studio apartment in the student district between his University and Joe's. It was slightly bigger than his dorm room and felt especially crowded with the three of them living together.
Booker wouldn't have it any other way.
He was excited to go home and see his boys. Joe might still be in the studio at school though. Nicky shouldn't be working today but Booker wasn't sure of that. He was very good at his cafe job and they called him in whenever they needed someone reliable. And of course Nicky always went.
If they weren't home Booker would start on his homework and sit around like an excited pet waiting for his owners to come home.
He was out of breath after going up the five flights of stairs but he was so happy. This was the life he wanted. Well, with a bigger place, but this was good for now. ]
Hey, I'm home!
[ He took his shoes off by the door as he stepped inside the apartment. ]
[Nicky was, in fact, not working today. In general, he would always come in if his boss called, but Wednesdays were the one exception to that rule. He had therapy on Wednesdays and it always left him a little too rattled to deal with the constant wave of students that frequented the little shop.
So, as Booker came in and announced himself, he was greeted to the sight of Nicky moving around the kitchen. He was dressed in pair of sleep pants and Joe's hickey from the night before. A wireless headset was resting around his neck, providing music while he cleaned if the sway of his hips could be believed.
[ Nicky would go deaf listening to his music that loud but he was so adorable dancing around in the kitchen Booker smiled warmly.
He made his way over and caught Nicky around his waist. He pulled him back and after a few seconds picked up the rhythm of his hips. They knew how to move together. ]
Hi, Nicky. How are you feeling?
[ They could both get a little off after therapy. He was very glad Nicky kept going even though it was emotionally draining. ]
[He made a small sound of contentment when Booker kissed that little ache, smiling as he let his head fall back against the other man's shoulder to give him all the room he wanted.]
I doubt you'd fail, I just wanted to be sure you didn't just crumple it up and throw it in their faces out of spite.
[He smirked, turning his head to kiss the corner of his boyfriend's lips before finally pulling away.]
Go, do homework. I'm about done anyway and I want to get dinner going. I'm trying out a new recipe.
[Because stress cooking is a thing he did pretty much every Wednesday.]
No, I didn't do that. Even though Kant is an idiot.
[ Philosophy was a mixed bag for Booker. sometimes he liked it and other times he hated it. He argued a lot with his professor and ranted at home about it. It was probably smart of Nicky to ask. ]
Ooo, new recipe. I'm excited.
[ They got to reap the benefits of Nicky's stress cooking. As long as it wasn't incredibly stressed cooking Booker was okay with it.
He would eat anything Nicky made. ]
Could you make me some tea? I don't want to get in your way.
[ The kitchen was tiny just like the rest of their studio apartment. ]
[It had been a while since Booker and Joe had gotten home to Nicky incredibly stressed, but it was still nice to hear that Booker acknowledged and looked out for it. Even if he was excited for the new recipe.
Though, to be fair, Nicky was also excited to try it.]
Of course. Chai? Or some of that orange clove that you liked so much the last time I made some?
[ Since Nicky was off to make tea and Booker couldn't snuggle him anymore he went over to the kitchen table with his book bag.
Comp. Sci homework was a weird mix of making code, reading stuff, and occasional word problems. He also had his Middle Eastern Literature course to read for but he enjoyed the hell out of that.
He pulled out a few books, notebooks, and settled in to get it down. His lovers were really strict and made sure he didn't put off his homework even if he hated it.
They also rewarded him really well when he did that work on time. School was never his favorite thing. ]
[They did reward him really well for doing it. As proven by the fact that they all now knew that Joe was starting to bulk out, but Nicky was still plenty lean enough to fold himself under the table and still have room to 'work'.
While Booker set up, Nicky started going through their tea drawer, hips once more starting to sway with the beat of the music that was still in one ear. He plucked up a lemon blueberry thyme satchel, and a few minutes later there was a very beautifully fragrant mug of tea settled on the table. He did make sure to set it out of the way of any books, though.]
I put honey in it, but it's lemon so no milk.
[He pressed a kiss to the top of Booker's head and turned to go back to finishing the kitchen.]
[ They were growing into men, not just lanky teenagers. Booker had kept up his boxing and it showed in his shoulders. Nicky was lean still but not weak. ]
Thanks. [ He reached over and rubbed his hand against Nicky's back before he went to the kitchen.
Somewhere in the middle of his homework Joe came home with paint stains on his shirt and his big, slightly awkward art folder under his arm.
He stopped by Booker first and gave him a kiss before he went to the kitchen and gave Nicky one. Then he disappeared into the bathroom to clean up.
Booker leaned back in his chair to watch Joe get ready for that shower. ]
[Definitely not weak. He'd had to start rebuying all of his gear, but as soon as he'd found a job that had paid semi-decent and offered him all the hours he could want, he'd started fencing again.
By the time Joe came home and kissed them both, the small apartment was started to smell really nice. Nicky had been working at the stove for a while and by the time Booker leaned back to spy on their stripping lover, Nicky was adding his homemade curry paste to the pot and filling the apartment with even more smells.]
[ The hot water wouldn't last that long so Joe wouldn't take forever.
Booker started to pack up his books. Twenty minutes wasn't a lot of time really and he wouldn't finish the last bit in time so he figured he could pack it up for now.
Then it was into the kitchen to grab some dishes and set the table. Joe would have to do dishes tonight. ]
Do you have your usual shift tomorrow?
[ Everything was so painfully domestic Booker could barely contain the random bursts of happiness. ]
[Booker wasn't the only one. Nicky had found that domestic life suited him very well. He loved being the first one home most days, loved the small acts of kindness that were his unique way of expressing his love for the two men he shared his life with.
Joe and Booker, they were vocal with their affection. Nicky was quiet. His love was shown with fresh laundry in dresser drawers, with dinner on the table, and with lunches packed in the fridge from the leftovers.]
Oh, can you take the rice, too? Be sure to set it on a hot pad, though. Don't want to burn the table.
Yeah, I do. Open to 3. Want me to bring you a fix before your last class?
[ But after he had put out the plates and silverware he went back to the kitchen for the hot pad before he got the rice.
Booker made an excellent assistant in the kitchen but he could only cook the simplest of meals on his own. ]
I'm never going to say no if you want to stop by.
[ Speculation about his love life and living arraignment kept his former dorm mates busy gossiping. They were always fascinated when Nicky or Joe showed up on campus to see him. ]
[He smirked. The burn had a prominent place of honor on their table as far as Nicky was concerned. He teased and grumped about it..but his lovers had more than once found him nursing a mug of tea and trailing his fingers around the rough circle, lost in thought and unable to sleep.
He kept finding excuses to not replace it.]
You just enjoy people assuming that you have a harem of attractive men at your whim.
I don’t know if two men counts as a harem but that’s basically what it is.
[ Booker was absolutely certain that Joe and Nicky would be there when he needed them. No matter what time or what reason.
He had talked with his therapist about fears of jealousy or doubt but it hadn’t happened yet. She assured him with open communication and honesty it wouldn’t. ]
Two incredibly attractive men always there for me.
[ Joe came up behind Booker and pulled him into a hug. He agreed. They were always there for each other. He asked about dinner next, curious what smelled so good. ]
Exactly. Always here for you. Just as you both are here for me and we're always there for Joe.
[He smiled over his shoulder at the two men, then gestured for Joe to come take over at the stove.]
Yellow curry with chicken. Please keep stirring it? I feel like at least putting on a shirt before dinner would be a good idea. It's supposed to thicken.
[And once Joe had dinner, Nicky made a point to stop by Booker to kiss him before heading towards their dresser.]
I don’t know. I think he’s dressed for dinner. Wouldn’t you agree, Joe?
[ They both thought a shirtless Nicky was totally fine for dinner though they also didn’t make any move to stop him.
Booker brushed his fingers down Nicky’s arm as they kissed.
He chatted with Joe while they waited for the curry to thicken talking about professors and classes and other students. Joe was thriving at art school. ]
[He smirked a little, knowing full well that they both just wanted to keep him shirtless. He had no desire to accidentally drop hot curry and rice onto bare skin, however. He pulled on one of Booker's old, well worn t-shirts and called that good enough.]
Good, I'm glad your project is coming together. Andy was worried that their visit was going to distract you.
[He took the spatula back and nudged Joe with his hip until the man retreated back to Booker, laughing. After a moment, Nicky grabbed another hot pad and killed the heat to the burner.]
Watch out, hot pan...
[And then the curry was next to the rice and Nicky was looking pleased with himself.]
Settling into his chair, he held out his glass for Joe to fill, murmuring a quiet 'thank you' before smirking over at Booker.]
It isn't, don't worry. It's yellow curry, not red or green.
[And it wasn't. There was just enough heat to tingle the tongue, but over all it was very flavorful, but very mild. Nicky had the first bite of his and nodded, looking very pleased with himself.]
[ Joe teased him warmly for being afraid of a little heat so Booker kicked him gently under the table. They settled in to eat together, conversation flowing quietly between bites of food.
Who would live in a dorm and eat from a cafeteria when this was an option? Booker felt peace settle over him and his growing stress with school fade away.
Yeah, he wanted this for the rest of his life. Booker would fight to keep it. ]
Do we want to do something this weekend or are you two busy?
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flatlanders
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 01:18 am (UTC)Booker wouldn't have it any other way.
He was excited to go home and see his boys. Joe might still be in the studio at school though. Nicky shouldn't be working today but Booker wasn't sure of that. He was very good at his cafe job and they called him in whenever they needed someone reliable. And of course Nicky always went.
If they weren't home Booker would start on his homework and sit around like an excited pet waiting for his owners to come home.
He was out of breath after going up the five flights of stairs but he was so happy. This was the life he wanted. Well, with a bigger place, but this was good for now. ]
Hey, I'm home!
[ He took his shoes off by the door as he stepped inside the apartment. ]
Anyone home?
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 02:18 am (UTC)So, as Booker came in and announced himself, he was greeted to the sight of Nicky moving around the kitchen. He was dressed in pair of sleep pants and Joe's hickey from the night before. A wireless headset was resting around his neck, providing music while he cleaned if the sway of his hips could be believed.
It seemed like Joe wasn't quite home yet.]
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 02:26 am (UTC)He made his way over and caught Nicky around his waist. He pulled him back and after a few seconds picked up the rhythm of his hips. They knew how to move together. ]
Hi, Nicky. How are you feeling?
[ They could both get a little off after therapy. He was very glad Nicky kept going even though it was emotionally draining. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 02:34 am (UTC)Hey, you. Is it that late already? I must of lost track of time.
[But even as he was smirking at himself, he was slotting his hands over his lover's and letting their bodies sway together.]
You're a giant sap and I love you. I'm okay. A little tired, but okay. How was your day? The test?
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 02:41 am (UTC)[ Now that he had Nicky's attention Booker pressed a kiss over Joe's hickey. ]
I love you too. [ There was no point in arguing the sap part. He was. Joe was too. ] The test went fine. I don't think I'll fail.
[ A passing grade was good but the University making him take courses in subjects he didn't care about was still bullshit in his mind. ]
Need me to do anything around the apartment before I crack down on homework?
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 02:48 am (UTC)I doubt you'd fail, I just wanted to be sure you didn't just crumple it up and throw it in their faces out of spite.
[He smirked, turning his head to kiss the corner of his boyfriend's lips before finally pulling away.]
Go, do homework. I'm about done anyway and I want to get dinner going. I'm trying out a new recipe.
[Because stress cooking is a thing he did pretty much every Wednesday.]
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 02:53 am (UTC)[ Philosophy was a mixed bag for Booker. sometimes he liked it and other times he hated it. He argued a lot with his professor and ranted at home about it. It was probably smart of Nicky to ask. ]
Ooo, new recipe. I'm excited.
[ They got to reap the benefits of Nicky's stress cooking. As long as it wasn't incredibly stressed cooking Booker was okay with it.
He would eat anything Nicky made. ]
Could you make me some tea? I don't want to get in your way.
[ The kitchen was tiny just like the rest of their studio apartment. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 03:01 am (UTC)Though, to be fair, Nicky was also excited to try it.]
Of course. Chai? Or some of that orange clove that you liked so much the last time I made some?
[He was already moving to fill the kettle.]
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 03:07 am (UTC)[ Since Nicky was off to make tea and Booker couldn't snuggle him anymore he went over to the kitchen table with his book bag.
Comp. Sci homework was a weird mix of making code, reading stuff, and occasional word problems. He also had his Middle Eastern Literature course to read for but he enjoyed the hell out of that.
He pulled out a few books, notebooks, and settled in to get it down. His lovers were really strict and made sure he didn't put off his homework even if he hated it.
They also rewarded him really well when he did that work on time. School was never his favorite thing. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 03:13 am (UTC)While Booker set up, Nicky started going through their tea drawer, hips once more starting to sway with the beat of the music that was still in one ear. He plucked up a lemon blueberry thyme satchel, and a few minutes later there was a very beautifully fragrant mug of tea settled on the table. He did make sure to set it out of the way of any books, though.]
I put honey in it, but it's lemon so no milk.
[He pressed a kiss to the top of Booker's head and turned to go back to finishing the kitchen.]
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 03:19 am (UTC)Thanks. [ He reached over and rubbed his hand against Nicky's back before he went to the kitchen.
Somewhere in the middle of his homework Joe came home with paint stains on his shirt and his big, slightly awkward art folder under his arm.
He stopped by Booker first and gave him a kiss before he went to the kitchen and gave Nicky one. Then he disappeared into the bathroom to clean up.
Booker leaned back in his chair to watch Joe get ready for that shower. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 03:26 am (UTC)By the time Joe came home and kissed them both, the small apartment was started to smell really nice. Nicky had been working at the stove for a while and by the time Booker leaned back to spy on their stripping lover, Nicky was adding his homemade curry paste to the pot and filling the apartment with even more smells.]
Dinner in twenty, Joe.
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 03:31 am (UTC)Booker started to pack up his books. Twenty minutes wasn't a lot of time really and he wouldn't finish the last bit in time so he figured he could pack it up for now.
Then it was into the kitchen to grab some dishes and set the table. Joe would have to do dishes tonight. ]
Do you have your usual shift tomorrow?
[ Everything was so painfully domestic Booker could barely contain the random bursts of happiness. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 03:37 am (UTC)Joe and Booker, they were vocal with their affection. Nicky was quiet. His love was shown with fresh laundry in dresser drawers, with dinner on the table, and with lunches packed in the fridge from the leftovers.]
Oh, can you take the rice, too? Be sure to set it on a hot pad, though. Don't want to burn the table.
Yeah, I do. Open to 3. Want me to bring you a fix before your last class?
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 11:37 am (UTC)[ But after he had put out the plates and silverware he went back to the kitchen for the hot pad before he got the rice.
Booker made an excellent assistant in the kitchen but he could only cook the simplest of meals on his own. ]
I'm never going to say no if you want to stop by.
[ Speculation about his love life and living arraignment kept his former dorm mates busy gossiping. They were always fascinated when Nicky or Joe showed up on campus to see him. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 04:58 pm (UTC)He kept finding excuses to not replace it.]
You just enjoy people assuming that you have a harem of attractive men at your whim.
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 05:58 pm (UTC)[ Booker was absolutely certain that Joe and Nicky would be there when he needed them. No matter what time or what reason.
He had talked with his therapist about fears of jealousy or doubt but it hadn’t happened yet. She assured him with open communication and honesty it wouldn’t. ]
Two incredibly attractive men always there for me.
[ Joe came up behind Booker and pulled him into a hug. He agreed. They were always there for each other. He asked about dinner next, curious what smelled so good. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 06:10 pm (UTC)[He smiled over his shoulder at the two men, then gestured for Joe to come take over at the stove.]
Yellow curry with chicken. Please keep stirring it? I feel like at least putting on a shirt before dinner would be a good idea. It's supposed to thicken.
[And once Joe had dinner, Nicky made a point to stop by Booker to kiss him before heading towards their dresser.]
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 06:15 pm (UTC)[ They both thought a shirtless Nicky was totally fine for dinner though they also didn’t make any move to stop him.
Booker brushed his fingers down Nicky’s arm as they kissed.
He chatted with Joe while they waited for the curry to thicken talking about professors and classes and other students. Joe was thriving at art school. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 06:25 pm (UTC)Good, I'm glad your project is coming together. Andy was worried that their visit was going to distract you.
[He took the spatula back and nudged Joe with his hip until the man retreated back to Booker, laughing. After a moment, Nicky grabbed another hot pad and killed the heat to the burner.]
Watch out, hot pan...
[And then the curry was next to the rice and Nicky was looking pleased with himself.]
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 10:24 pm (UTC)Joe grabbed some ice tea from the fridge and they all gathered around the table. ]
Looks good. Please tell me it’s not super spicy?
[ Booker was something of a wimp about spicy food. He would eat it but boy was it rough. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 10:34 pm (UTC)Settling into his chair, he held out his glass for Joe to fill, murmuring a quiet 'thank you' before smirking over at Booker.]
It isn't, don't worry. It's yellow curry, not red or green.
[And it wasn't. There was just enough heat to tingle the tongue, but over all it was very flavorful, but very mild. Nicky had the first bite of his and nodded, looking very pleased with himself.]
no subject
Date: 2020-09-06 10:58 pm (UTC)Who would live in a dorm and eat from a cafeteria when this was an option? Booker felt peace settle over him and his growing stress with school fade away.
Yeah, he wanted this for the rest of his life. Booker would fight to keep it. ]
Do we want to do something this weekend or are you two busy?