ChanBaek Fluff

He glanced to the side and saw Chanyeol mimicking his every word and action, arms haphazardly thrown above his head, and he elbowed him and drew a theatric cry from the other before turning back to the lens, giggling.

“I’ve brought my boyfriend to you again, some of you may remember him from the Boyfriend Tag video, which was filmed...” He looked over to Chanyeol again, question in his eyes, and Chanyeol supplied,

“Almost a year ago?”

“Yeah. So instead of him sitting on the other side of the camera laughing at me or telling me to stop screaming at myself, I get to let him make a fool of himself with me.” He leaned onto Chanyeol’s shoulder, fitting his head below the other’s chin. “Aren’t we cute?”

Chanyeol laughed. “Real tight.”

“That’s what she said.”

Before Chanyeol could make some sort of exasperated statement Baekhyun bounced back into his position and launched into his topic.

“We’re doing the boyfriend-makeup challenge. Chanyeol will be doing my makeup for today~” he sing-songed, laughing at the sheepish expression over Chanyeol’s face.

“I’m scared.”

“I have high hopes for you, actually,” Baekhyun mused. “You’ve seen me put on makeup before. Although...” He faced the camera again. “I haven’t worn full...glamour makeup in a long time. I haven’t gone clubbing in forever.”

“Almost three months.”

“You remember?”

“How could I not? You’re a beast when you’re drunk.”

“That’s what she said.”

Chanyeol slapped his arm a gasp. “Stop.”

(cut)

“Without any further ado, we’ll get started,” Baekhyun laughed. He loved doing videos with Chanyeol - he should make a resolution to do more of them.

And so with brief bickering, teasing, and Chanyeol’s fumbling around the products on the table in front of him, he finally found a small bottle with a pale liquid sloshing inside. He furrowed his brow at the label.

“Foundation...this goes first right?”

“Yep.”

The taller man uneasily approached Baekhyun’s face with the pasty substance heavy on his fingers, dabbing slowly over his skin. He winced.

“It’s so wet.”

Baekhyun smirked, scrunching his nose at the tickly sensation of Chanyeol’s fingers running over his skin. “That’s what she said.”

“No.”

“But - “

“No. Stop moving.”

“You’re putting a lot on.”

Chanyeol let out a rather unmanly whine, and a distressed laugh followed closely after. “This is stressful!”

“Calm down! You’re just doing my makeup. It’s very simple compared to what you see the girls usually wear.”

“But you have a very particular way of doing it - that I love.”

Baekhyun snorted, an endearing smile crossing his face. “Softie.”

(cut)

It took longer than it should have to apply.

”You have to make sure it’s even!”

(cut)

Chanyeol sped through painting concealer over the smaller’s nose.

 ”Oh no. You’re all even and then your nose is just white. Albino nose.” 

“Fix it!” 

“Nah I think I’ll leave it.” 

“Chanyeol!”

(cut)

Then there was an illusionary skin whitening cream.

”You don’t need it.” 

“I do.” 

“You’re already perfectly pale. And I like your honey skin too. Nothing to worry about.” 

“Chanyeooooooolll!”

(cut)

By the time it came to his eyebrows Baekhyun was a nervous wreck, but Chanyeol wasn’t handling himself well either.

“Don’t do anything crazy,” Baekhyun muttered, glancing at the camera and making a face.

“No promises.” Chanyeol looked at the camera too...and winked.

Baekhyun felt the pencil tip against his face and Chanyeol’s gentle hands holding him still - he had a relatively hardy faith for his boyfriend doing his eyebrows. Chanyeol always had perfect eyebrows without trying. Baekhyun voiced his thoughts and Chanyeol snorted at him, propelling them into a long casual conversation that would have to be cut out later.

Then came the contouring and highlighting. They were both trying to conceal their laughter and the taller pointed a powder-covered brush at Baekhyun’s cheek like a weapon.

He mumbled to himself, “Just shoot straight...”

Baekhyun opened his mouth but before he could speak, Chanyeol had a finger on his lips stopping him with a curt, “No, that’s not what she said.”

The smaller closed his eyes and tilted his face up to accommodate Chanyeol’s lanky hand with a puppyish smile, soothed by the soft silky tufts brushing against his hollowed cheeks, lips pushed out. He was already aware of how much editing he was going to have to do later on.

Then much to his surprise he felt a hot, soft press against his lips and his eyes flew open, mouth parting with a gasp. Chanyeol’s lips lingered over his, a cheeky grin accompanying his presence.

“What was that for?” Baekhyun blubbered, a blush coming to his cheeks.

“An interlude!”

(cut)

“What are you doing?” Baekhyun guffawed, fighting away Chanyeol’s hands. “You put eyeshadow on with a brush, not your fingers!”

“Really?”

“Yes!” He watched Chanyeol reach for one and his chest jumped with a gasp. He directed the taller’s hands towards a smaller one. “Blending brush. Now don’t go crazy.”

He let his lids fall closed and awaited the touch on his face; he heard only some shifting and a faint whisper. 

“What are you saying?” Baekhyun asked, crease furrowing his brow.

“Nothing. Now keep your eyes closed.” During editing later on he would find Chanyeol making funny faces at the camera and mouthing silently, “He’s so pretty - I’m so lucky. Isn’t he cute? Who else gets to do their boyfriend’s makeup?”

(cut)

And then came the eyeliner.

“I give up!” Chanyeol cried before the pencil even made it to Baekhyun’s skin. “I can’t do this!”

“What? You can’t stop now!”

Chanyeol bit his lip, then glanced at the camera. “You should just edit all twenty minutes of this out.”

“No - finish through!”

“I’M STRESSED BAEKH-”

(cut)

Chanyeol put the tip to Baekhyun’s eye, cradling the side of his face with sweaty palms. After several minutes of timid strokes and touch-ups and unsure lines the taller sat back with a heavy breath. “Every time I touch you I feel like I’m going to explode.”

“That’s what - “

“Hell no! That one barely even makes sense! One more lame sex joke and I will leave this half of your face undone!” Chanyeol shouted, pointing the liquid pencil at Baekhyun’s bright and giggly face. 

“No! Nononono - “ Baekhyun stuttered past his hysterical laughter, grappling at Chanyeol as he stood up and pretended to leave. 

“I swear to god Byun Baekhyun - “

“Nonono no no no! I promise! No more lame sex jokes! Just come back and finish your job!”

Chanyeol snorted through his own chuckles as he plopped back down into his seat and in a nasally, mimicking voice said, “That’s what she said.”

(cut)

Chanyeol sat with a handheld mirror clutched to his chest, grinning at Baekhyun’s face.

“I think it’s time for the reveal,” Baekhyun said to the camera, tucking stray hair behind his ear. “God, I’m sweating.”

“Are you ready?” Chanyeol handed him the mirror with a nervous gasp as he whispered, “I’m more nervous than you are.”

Baekhyun took the glass in hand and adjusted it to his face - his lips fell open. “Wow, Chanyeollie - “

The taller hid behind his hands, peeking through his lanky fingers. “Oh God. What do you think?”

Baekhyun brought the mirror to his eyes, a giggle bubbling in his throat. “You - you did better than I thought you would. Lip gloss is looking good.” He pulled the mirror away and blinked up at the camera. “What do you guys think?”

“You don’t seem like you’d look good in bright lipstick,” Chanyeol mused. “Lip gloss works.”

“I have a method.”

“The eyeliner is uneven,” Chanyeol groaned.

“You must like highlighting. And did you actually contour? I can’t tell.”

Chanyeol shifted to get a better look. “I was probably too much into your lips.”

“You also went really...wild on the eyeshadow,” Baekhyun giggled, observing the bright blue canvas over each lid. “I think I look better in warmer tones, but - is that pink? You were really into the eyeshadow.”

Chanyeol chewed at his fingers nervously. “I didn’t realize how much I was using at the time. It was uneven at first, so I kept adding more to try to balance it out....”

“But my nose! It looks like a lightbulb!” Baekhyun glanced up from the mirror to his amused boyfriend, who burst out laughing as he kept speaking. “I’m the new albino Rudolf the White-Nosed lightbulb!”

(cut)

Baekhyun grinned at the camera, Chanyeol in stitches beside him, trying to swallow his laughter.

“Overall I think he did really well - ”

Beside him Chanyeol tumbles off of his chair and collapses on the ground.

“Chanyeol!”

(cut)

Baekhyun gripped Chanyeol’s hand to keep him still and in place finally.

“Comment below what you all think of his hard work.”

“I was labor-intensive,” the taller muttered beside him.

“He suffered a lot for this...” Baekhyun’s voice dropped, then he turned to his boyfriend with a gleam in his eye and an impish smile on his glittery lips. “Can I do your makeup?”

Chanyeol’s expression immediately fell. “What now? Please no - ”

(cut)

Ten minutes later after a great deal of fussing, they were both grinning into the camera, Chanyeol a bit reluctantly, but Baekhyun wouldn’t have wanted to miss recording his embarrassed blush for the world. His eyes have grown with Baekhyun’s touch of mascara, his brows strong, his cheekbones radiant - not that Chanyeol isn’t always radiant.

“And that’s all! Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment - if you want to see more of Chanyeol let us know. We’ll make it happen.”

Baekhyun gave his signature smile, his unfailing crooked peace sign, but as he tried to leap up off his chair tugging Chanyeol with him, preparing to run off screen and out of frame like he always does at the end of each video, Chanyeol’s firm grip held him back.

“Wait - "

Baekhyun glanced at the camera lens, then sat back down. “What?”

The look in Chanyeol’s eyes swirled with emotion - and mischief. “You know you don’t need makeup right?”

“I know. I think I just look...better with makeup.”

Chanyeol frowned and lifted their intertwined hands. “That’s not true.”

“Chanyeol - ”

“You’re beautiful without makeup.”

Baekhyun’s tongue worked but no words came - he was stunted by the sincerity in Chanyeol’s eyes and strong hand. He turned away. “Don’t say that.”

“I like you best when you don’t wear makeup - you look really soft.”

Baekhyun snorted. “Soft.”

While he was preoccupied with looking at their hands and trying to formulate a funny response, he heard Chanyeol speak to the black lens in front of them.

“Sometimes he calls himself ugly. But he’s my boyfriend and I really love him, no matter what anyone says. He’s handsome without makeup.” Baekhyun glances up and catches his eye, a simper on his decorated lips. Chanyeol’s expression softens. “You are.”

“But I am handsome with makeup too, right?”

“Of course.”

Beakhyun looked at the camera, his and Chanyeol’s hands tightening around each other, but without a witty response coming to his lips he just smiled.

(cut)

“Ready?” Baekhyun asked. Chanyeol nodded.

“Yeah.”

Chanyeol became so needy for his little flight attendant friend that he pressed the button above him, calling one over. He was thoroughly embarrassed, though, when it was not Baekhyun but a grumpy looking lady. He quickly apologized and made up some excuse like, “I was trying to hit the light button.”

It took another few minutes, but eventually the service carts made it Chanyeol’s way. He accepted the pretzels put onto his tray, and then waited for Baekhyun’s still-cheery face to appear.

The boy chuckled. “You haven’t been waiting all this time for me, have you?”

Chanyeol smiled. “Guilty.” Upon seeing Baekhyun’s blush he felt a surge of victory, and he proudly asked, “Baekhyun, may I take you out for a drink?”

The smaller’s brows furrowed. “Take me out for a - a drink?”

“Of sorts.” 

Chanyeol ordered two cocktails much to Baekhyun’s rising suspicion, but the flight attendant only placed one cocktail in front of the other. Chanyeol scowled, but then he noticed something unique about the napkin Baekhyun had passed him.

On it was his hand-scribbled number.

He met eyes with a pleased little man. “i don’t accept half-assed dates in which I do all the work. Buy me a real drink when we touch down, lover boy.”

“Noted and filed.”

After this, Chanyeol slept fine.

The next time he laid eyes on Baekhyun they were mid-descent. He quickly sat upright, realizing that they were going to touch down and he was going to lose Baekhyun once they did.

“Good sleep?” the smaller asked softly. “It’s four in the morning. I don’t blame you.”

Chanyeol frowned. “Aren’t you tired?”

Baekhyun shrugged. “Nah. Just waiting.”

Chanyeol looked down to the sleeve of napkin, rubbing the sacred numbers between his fingers. “Are you lonely?”

“No. I don’t feel lonely around you, even when you’re sleeping.”

The taller smiled a bit to himself. “Where are you going to be?”

“What do you mean?”

Chanyeol’s heart sank. “I know you’re a flight attendant and everything but...”

“This is my last flight.”

Chanyeol’s eyes went up. “Huh?”

Baekhyun’s brows lifted. “I have two days off before I fly back to Korea.”

The other sat up. “Wait, really? You’re to be in Shanghai for two days?”

“Yep.”

“What hotel are you staying at?”

“SM*.”

“You’re kidding! So am I.”

Baekhyun giggled and clasped hands together over his chest, feigning drunkenness and fatigue. “Oh, will you carry me home, then?”

“Yes!”

Baekhyun’s eyes rolled, and then he glanced over the taller’s shoulder and cringed. “Oh dear. I must be the worst flight attendant ever. I’m getting dirty looks from my seniors. I hope they don’t report me.”

Chanyeol’s jaw dropped. “Report you? For what? You’re the best flight attendant I’ve ever met! Why would you say you’re the worst?”

“Because my first priority is to keep passengers safe. Safety is all flight attendants are really around for. The cookies and cocktails are just added services.”

“So if I drop down and wasn’t breathing you would give me mouth-to-mouth CPR?”

“Of course. It’s my job to keep you alive on board this plane.”

“But would you do it just to kiss me?”

“That’s a very unprofessional question.”

“Would you?”

‘Take me out for that drink I’ll let you know.”

For the most part he just couldn't help it. He was obliged to look to the attendants for safety instruction, Chanyeol couldn't help that the small man was wearing a cute, preppy little cardigan and slacks, a little blue handkerchief scarf tied professionally (and a bit flirtatiously) around his neck, nametag shining as he gestured to the flight booklets. 

He smiled as he did so, grinning warmly and encouragingly. It was his smile that disarmed Chanyeol the most - was it even legal to look that charming? There had to be some sort of law prohibiting smiling people from shaming the sun - if there was such a law, then this Baekhyun person was a sure violator.

As the boy mimicked putting on a safety mask, his mouth disappearing behind the oxygen contraption, Chanyeol thought briefly that he wouldn’t mind covering those lips...with his own maybe.

Baekhyun removed the mask then and stood at attention as the instruction voice over continued, his pale skin shimmering beneath the fluorescent lights, and his bright eyes flitting around the cabin.

And then Baekhyun’s eyes were on Chanyeol.

Oh god, thought the taller, frozen, petrified, and wide-eyed staring at his current endeavor.

The boy seemed to pause, his curious eyes glued to Chanyeol momentarily, before a small simper of a smile bloomed on the smaller’s face, his cheeks reddening.

Chanyeol hadn’t realized his jaw had dropped until he tried to smile back and found his mouth dry.

Then, with his eyes still passing to Chanyeol every once in a while, Baekhyun began gesturing around the plane, wiggling his fingers in the directions of the exits.

And oh, were his hands pretty.

Then the safety instructions were done and Baekhyun was walking Chanyeol’s way.

Do I say something? What should I do? Is it legal to hit on a flight attendant while they’re working? thought Chanyeol, glancing around his unintentionally and extensively space seat by the exit doors over the wings.

Baekhyun stopped beside Chanyeol’s char, looked at him briefly, and then reached up to the over-head compartments above. Chanyeol expertly noted that the attendant had to stretch up onto his tippy-toes in order to reach, and when he did his entire body leaned over Chanyeol’s so close that if the taller only shifted to the side, he could nuzzle right into the other man’s belly. He could smell the smaller’s cologne.

Chanyeol couldn’t believe he’s started to blush fantasizing about touching a cute flight attendant - not that it was even sexual! This Baekhyun person just looked incredibly huggable from this angle.

“Can I help you with something, sir?”

Chanyeol blinked and found himself looking up into the eager eyes of the other man. He read his winged name-tag again - Byun Baekhyun - and cleared his throat awkwardly.

“Er...uh...n-no. Thank you. Baekhyun.”

Then more words over the intercom. “Flight attendants please seal side exit doors and prepare cabin for departure.”

Baekhyun smiled softly again - looking shy, which surprised Chanyeol -and stepped around him to the exit door. Chanyeol made way for him, watching as the flight attendant bent down and began latching the doors. Chanyeol really, really couldn’t help but admire the view, not when there was so little space and those khakis did wonders to announce Baekhyun’s cute little butt to the world.

Then Baekhyun was standing and - Oh god, thought Chanyeol - then sitting right there, right there across from Chanyeol in that exclusive flight attendant seat by the emergency exit door, which Chanyeol thought he might need to use if this situation got any better.

Say something! Chanyeol thought desperately as the plane began to move. Anything!

“Do you do squats?” Chanyeol blurted. He immediately wanted to smack himself.

Baekhyun cocked his head. “Do I...what?”

Chanyeol shook his head. “N-Nothing.”

“Did you ask...if I do squats?”

He just shrugged in response. This is it, he thought, dejected already. I busted it. Say goodbye to the guy of your dreams.

And then Baekhyun said, “I do? I mean...I work out. I try to go skiing often.”

Chanyeol looked his way again, astonished. Baekhyun looked adorably puzzled, as if still trying to figure out what Chanyeol’s question was supposed to mean.

“You ski?”

“I try to.” Baekhyun laughed and Chanyeol melted inside. “Skiing, snowboarding...”

“I snowboard!” Chanyeol announced just as the plane made it to the runway. “I love it. Wish I could do it year-round.”

Baekhyun grinned. “I do too, only...I get lonely. It’s much more fun to go with someone else.”

The seatbelt sign above them dinged again. Chanyeol leaned his head into his palm, elbow on the chair arm. “Do you get lonely often?”

Baekhyun shrugged. “Sometimes it’s difficult to feel lonely on a jet like this.” His eyes glanced around to the nearby passengers, none of whom were really listening, and then he looked back to Chanyeol. “But yes. I do suppose I get lonely.”

Chanyeol’s next words came out dreamily. “Can I make  you less lonely?” Baekhyun laughed at this, and Chanyeol went on: “You know, I use music to remedy my loneliness.”

At this, the smaller’s eyes seemed to brighten more. He opened his mouth to speak, only then the plane began its takeoff. Chanyeol barely realized it when they left the tarmac - he only kept his gaze safely on Baekhyun.

As soon as the noise dropped to a conversational level, Baekhyun leaned forward and spoke.

“What kind of music?”

The question tripped the other up, stumbling over his words like feet over an excited puppy. “U-Uh...hip hop. Jazz, ballads, other stuff.”

“I love music!” Baekhyun declared happily. “I play the piano and sing.”

“That’s fantastic! Are you any good?”

Baekhyun scoffed playfully. “I should think so. What about you?”

“Maybe I could use your expertise,” Chanyeol teased.

“Only if you take me snowboarding with you.” Baekhyun chuckled, to which Chanyeol’s face lit up. He beamed.

“Are you serious?”

“Huh?”

“Would you go snowboarding with me?”

At this Baekhyun seemed to hesitate, as if making a friend at this time and so suddenly was cause for worry. But instead of voicing this, he just asked, “What’s your name?”

“Chanyeol. Park Chanyeol.”

“Well, Mister Park Chanyeol, I’ll let you know my answer by the end of the flight.”

Chanyeol’s lips parted, feigning dismay (though it really was dismay and he wouldn’t let on to that). But before he could protest Baekhyun’s smirk, the said male reached over to an intercom mic, picked up the wall speaker, and his voice came over the speakers sounding charming as ever.

“We are now in flight and underway. The flight attendants will now be proceeding our in-flight services including snacks, beverages, and our signature cocktail drink specially made by me, trusty flight attendant Baekhyun.” A round of chuckles from the passengers. “The seatbelt sign will be turned off shortly, but please remain buckled when seated, as we may encounter turbulence at any time. We will be touching down in Shanghai City in approximately two hours because of the delay, so sit back and enjoy the flight.”

He put the intercom speaker away and smiled again at Chanyeol. “Is there anything I can do for you sir? Chanyeol?”

The taller grinned. “Am I your favorite passenger?”

Baekhyun stood steadying himself from the hum of the plane on the nearby seats. “I don’t pick favorites, Mister Park.” Accompanying this statement was a wink, and then he was on his way. 

"You don't need to get me anything," the taller mused as he swarmed Baekhyun in a crushing hug. "I know you love me."

"No, I most definitely have to do something for you," Baekhyun mumbled with a ring of determination. "Because we've been dating for a year now and I'm the least romantically learned boyfriend ever. I'll pull through today at least."

Chanyeol rolled his eyes, but conceded. He sat back and eyed the smaller. "So what do you need me to do?"

"Give me ideas," replied Baekhyun with a frown. "I don't trust the internet's advice."

Chanyeol nodded. "Okay. You could get chocolates, or a card, or flowers, or plan some sort of dinner - wait, not that. I'm doing the dinner tonight - or a song or a poem, or a date planned or something. Really, Baek. The possibilities are endless." He placed a kiss on Baekhyun's temple. "Don't stress over it. If it really means this much to you I'll let you do your thing, but don't worry about impressing me. I'll love you anyway. When I'm with you, every day is Valentine's Day."

There it was. The sappiness. Though Baekhyun cringed up at Chanyeol on the outside, on the inside his heart shivered with glee.

He had until dinner to sort out what he would be doing.

Hours later, when the sun had dipped down beyond the horizon, and after multiple rounds of wine and homemade baked sweet potato with baked beans on the side, Baekhyun was just inebriated enough, drunken on both alcohol and love, to get up from the dinner table after they finished eating to present an improv version of his gift.

Chanyeol must have known his boyfriend was a lightweight, Baekhyun decided, but thought it was fine. What Baekhyun wasn't sure of, though, was whether or not Chanyeol was aware that baked beans increased flatulency. Earlier, when they were giggling over holding each other's hands, Chanyeol had...how to say, tooted?

They had both paused, and then Chanyeol broke out into a grin and began to sing, "Beans beans, the musical fruit. The more you eat, the more you toot. The more you toot, the better you feel, so let's have beans for every meal!"

Baekhyun had stared at him, his vision fuzzy and head spinning, and then stood up.

That was where he was now. He stared at Chanyeol innocently, with awe in his eyes, and then he began to recite:

“Hold your hats, close your nose, A fart 's comin' on! Ground your toes.

“Time 's a tickin', don't let it waste, A fart 's comin' on! It's on a fast pace.

“Sound the alarm! Evacuate! A fart 's comin' on...”

He glanced at Chanyeol, who stared back at him blankly, and then finalized his poem with an exaggerated:

“Oh no! Too late!”

The dining room fell silent and the two held gazes for a moment - and then Chanyeol’s signature, sunny smile broke on his face. He chuckled and blushed and said, “Aw, thank you Baekhyun.”

 Baekhyun shrugged. “Uh...Happy Valentine’s Day?”

“Are you?” blurted Chanyeol, grinning.

“Am I what?”

“Going to fart.”

Baekhyun glanced at his empty dinner plate. “Er...I wasn’t planning on it, since this is supposed to be the most romantic day of the year.”

Chanyeol sniggered. “Who says that farts aren’t romantic?”

Baekhyun sighed - now that was stretching it a little far. Time for plan B. He slid slowly around the table, shrugging off his outer sweater and kicking off his shoes as he approached his boyfriend. Chanyeol sat back, looking suspicious. 

“Uh, Baek? What are you doing?”

“I took precautions in case my writing didn’t work. Thinking about it now, a poem about farts probably wasn’t very romantic.”

“Baek?” whispered Chanyeol as the smaller stepped up to him and ran a seductive, trained hand down Chanyeol’s front side.

“I took a lap dancing lesson this afternoon.”

Baekhyun’s finger hooked on the other’s pants - Chanyeol gulped. “Did you? Is that an idea you got from the i-internet?”

“I’m probably going to have sore thighs after all this squatting - but, you know, you probably will too.”

“H-Happy Va-Valentine’s Day, Baekhyun.”

Baekhyun smirked. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Chanyeol.”

“You’re nice,” mused Baekhyun. Chanyeol grinned and nuzzled their noses together, lips lingering by each others’. He grazed their mouths together and pressed his lips against Baekhyun’s to savor the boy’s sweet taste and salty skin. Baekhyun sighed into his mouth contentedly and pushed back against him. It was brief and a series of those kisses succeeded each other in a string.

Chanyeol pulled away grinning. "Hmn, you’re pretty nice too.”

Baekhyun fingered Chanyeol’s shirt, smile growing and blossoming on his face. "How was work today?"

"The usual. I missed you."

"Did you eat lunch? You didn't skip it did you?"

Chanyeol chuckled, thumb stroking Baekhyun's hip where he held him. "Shh, baby. No worries. It's okay."

The smaller grunted and squirmed, a puppy-like moan slipping out of his mouth as he yawned. Chanyeol, in response, lightly tickled his boyfriend's armpits. Baekhyun hiccuped and giggled out, "Hmnngh. I think you should stop that."

"You know what I think?"

"Hm?"

Chanyeol nuzzled the other's hair. "I think you're perfect. I think you're funny. I think you're cute when you're excited...and when you're tired."

Baekhyun, whose eyes were now closed, snorted and snuck his hands around the taller's waist. "Hm."

"Are you tired?"

"...hnnmn."

"What?"

"No."

"You sure?"

"Hnmnnhg."

"Huh?"

"Mmmmmmn..."

Chanyeol began to shift, eyeing Baekhyun's slack features. "Maybe we should go to bed, love."

An impatient sounding sigh slipped up the smaller's throat and he squeezed his boyfriend tighter.

"Baek?"

"Hhhh?"

Chanyeol tapped the tip of his nose, completely in love with the sleepy kid in his arms, and whispered, "Come on buddy. Up you get."

Baekhyun pouted. "I don't want to move."

Chanyeol continued in a soft tone, "You'll be more comfortable in bed."

There was no response this time, only a deeper furrowing of Baekhyun's brows. Smiling sweetly, Chanyeol leaned his head forward and placed a kiss on Baekhyun's nose. Then another on his cheek, and a second on the other one. He proceeded to gift pleasant pecks and nibbles on the smaller's chin, ears, cheekbones, forehead, and eyelids. Chanyeol watched, amused, as Baekhyun's face slowly relaxed with every little kiss. He traced his lips along the other's eyebrows, observing as Baekhyun's knitted brows released, his face melting into one of bliss. By now Baekhyun's breaths had sunk deep in his lungs and his belly relaxed, yet his arms still clung tightly to the other.

Chanyeol chuckled, overflowing with adoration, and pushed his lips gently to Baekhyun's.

Oh, how he loved Baekhyun's lips, even when they were asleep.

"You're so adorable, my love," whispered Chanyeol as he very carefully and very slowly undid himself from Baekhyun's locked embrace and entanglement of legs. The smaller whined in his sleep and began to clutch at the pillow with his boyfriend's sudden absence of warmth and solidity.

But Chanyeol took his duties very seriously, and wouldn't allow even Baekhyun to disturb them. He crouched by the sofa and began maneuvering his arms beneath the crooks of his boyfriend's body, slowly taking Baekhyun into his cradling arms. Baekhyun’s weight slung into his arms as Chanyeol arose and began moving towards the bedroom.

Chanyeol gently laid Baekhyun on the mattress and the boy curled up into his fetus position, tucking his knees up close and hugging his hands to his chest. Chanyeol eagerly kicked off his slippers and quietly slipped in next to his boyfriend. He rolled the covers over their spooned bodies and tucked himself around the smaller, taking Baekhyun’s backside into his body like a baby turtle in a shell. Pleased with himself, Chanyeol nuzzled into the back of Baekhyun’s neck, placing one last peck there before succumbing to the consoling cinnamon-vanilla scent of Baekhyun’s hair and sinking into the depths of sleep himself.

Baekhyun went back to double-tapping his phone when Chanyeol turned around and there was a reverberating thump. Chanyeol hissed and exclaimed, "Aw, fuck!"

Baekhyun's eyes slid up from his screen and he and his boyfriend's gazes met.

"I stubbed my toe," groaned Chanyeol.

The smaller smirked, jerking his head in the direction of the corner where a massive jar sat on a table. "Put a dollar in the Swear Jar."

Chanyeol raised a brow, though his face was still hilariously pained. "We're really going to do that?"

Baekhyun shrugged, but grinned. Chanyeol's dark eyes simmered on his, much like the sautéing vegetables in the pan. Then the taller sauntered smokily over to the table where Baekhyun sat.

"W-What are you - "

Chanyeol stood over his boyfriend and slipped the Izze can from his hand, bringing it up to his mouth and throwing his head back as he downed the last of the drink in the can.

"Uh...Chanyeol - "

Then, quick as a flash, Chanyeol slammed the can down on the table beside Baekhyun's hand. The smaller gasped as Chanyeol leaned down and pushed his face into Baekhyun's, trapping him in his chair.

Baekhyun shivered, trying to hold back a smile. "H-Hi."

Chanyeol grinned and rattled the can. "Based on your actions last night, you ought to donate to the Sin Tin, don't you think?"

A blush crept onto Baekhyun's face. He tickled Chanyeol's shirt near his armpits with a shy smile. "R-really?"

"Really."

Baekhyun growled like a little puppy, clenching his teeth and grrrring low in his throat. "Then bite me."

Chanyeol laughed. "Where?"

A tiny gasp escaped Baekhyun's lips. "Chanyeol!"

The taller belted out a laugh and wound his arms around his boyfriend, tugging him into his embrace. There was a little toothy nip by Baekhyun's ear. "There?" asked Chanyeol. He bit again under the smaller's chin and Baekhyun giggled. "How about there?"

"Chanyeol that tickles!"

Another nip on Baekhyun's shoulder. "There?"

"Chanyeol!"

Chanyeol bit up the smaller's throat and cheek as Baekhyun giggled and squirmed and protested playfully, at least until Chanyeol's lips pressed against his own. A moment passed there lovingly, lips massaging with warmth and affection.

Chanyeol pulled away and his lips lingered at the edge of Baekhyun's mouth. "How about right there?"

He’s not.

He swears he’s not.

Well…maybe…maybe a little…

Baekhyun is in the midst of enjoying Chanyeol’s fingers through his hair, crooning with each pet, when the floor vibrates and his bones electrify - a magnificent, ear shattering blast of thunder rockets through Baekhyun’s body. The sky flashes and a deafening roll of crackles sound outside. As if there was a choir of massive drums and they’ve all been struck simultaneously, sending tremors through the ground.

Baekhyun screams - actually screams - and leaps out of Chanyeol’s arms. “Nope!” he cries, darting into their bedroom as he mumbles, “Nope nope nope nope nope nope - “

After Baekhyun disappears, it takes a moment of confusion on Chanyeol’s part, but after a second the tall man puts down his book and strides quickly into the bedroom after the smaller.

“Baekhyun?” calls Chanyeol, worried. But as he steps into the room he realizes Baekhyun is no where to be found; he’s just not there. Chanyeol turns in a circle, frowning and glaring around the room. “Baekhyun? Where are you? Are you okay?”

It is then that another, more mild clap of thunder shakes the room, and there’s a soft whimper there in the bedroom. Chanyeol turns in another circle, hears another whimper, and then slowly drops to his knees. He crawls over to the bedside and carefully lifts the bedskirt, revealing the dark space underneath…and also Baekhyun, curled up and shivering.

“Baekhyun?” the smaller hears his boyfriend say. “Are you…hiding under the bed?”

Baekhyun can feel the underside of the bed against his shoulder and the dusty carpet beneath him. He fights for space against shoe boxes and other things they’ve both shoved under there. He wasn’t even sure when he first ran in here if he would fit under the bed - but he does.

He nods in response to Chanyeol’s question, even though it probably could have been rhetorical. Chanyeol flattens onto his stomach so he can see Baekhyun better and tries to stick his head underneath, but he can’t.

“How are you even fitting under there right now?”

Baekhyun mewls in response and suddenly realizes he misses Chanyeol’s touch, his warmth and his comfort. Just as he begins to unfurl himself the room rattles and the thunder strikes again. Baekhyun shrieks and shrinks back into a ball, covering his head with his arms.

He hears Chanyeol’s soft voice. “Awe, Baekhyun…”

“I fucking hate thunder storms,” the smaller whines.

“Baekhyun, it’s okay.” Chanyeol’s arm stretches out beneath the bed, and he strokes Baekhyun’s hands. “It’s okay, love.”

“It’s not okay!”

“I never knew you were afraid of thunder.”

“I am!”

Chanyeol’s eyes observe Baekhyun fondly, and after a moment he says, “Hmm…could I coax Baekhyun out from under the bed with a kiss?”

“No.”

Baekhyun almost feels bad about saying that…almost.

He hears Chanyeol inch closer. “Would Baekkie come out for a tickle fight?”

“No.”

Baekhyun is just about sure that he’s going to stay under the bed forever when Chanyeol then says, “Would you come out for some Nutella?”

This catches Baekhyun’s attention, and he feels the prickle of saliva on his tongue. He clacks his lips and weighs his options: stay under the bed and hide alone, or go to Chanyeol’s arms and eat chocolate.

The decision is immediate. Slowly, carefully, with a great dose of timidness, Baekhyun crawls out from under the bed. He flinches and halts at another boom of thunder and reflection of lightning across Chanyeol’s face, but Chanyeol’s comforting voice brings him out completely.

Baekhyun slings himself instantly into Chanyeol’s arms, and feels the taller’s hands wind through his hair amicably.

“If this house comes down on top of us you’d better protect me,” snaps Baekhyun, nuzzling into Chanyeol’s chest.

There is a kiss atop his head and a chuckle, one that makes Baekhyun miss the next clap of thunder altogether.

But it is the first winter, the first spread of holidays that Baekhyun is spending completely alone. He’s graduated from college and none of his former buddies have contacted him asking to meet up for dinner or for a walk down the glittering shops under snowfall. Baekhyun tries to pretend that the winter still doesn’t bother him this year.

It does. The winter bothers him. For there is nothing more lonely than spending gray-tone-heavy days around the outskirts of festivities alone.

Baekhyun is lonely.

He walks alone down the city streets, admiring nothing really. He just doesn’t have the spirit to enjoy all the colors and lights this year. It’s a night laden with the threat of another snowfall, and the sky looms above through the cutout column between the buildings on either side of Baekhyun. It’s still beautiful. But he enjoys the beauty alone.

He flings the stray tail of his scarf over his shoulder, and as he does there is a terrifying moment where his feet skid across a patch of ice, and he wobbles with a gasp, just barely righting himself. Baekhyun stands still for a moment and collects himself, for he has the sudden urge to cry.

Baekhyun sighs and begins to walk again as he wipes his eyes just to make sure he hasn’t actually started crying yet, but as he quickly steps around a bypasser going the other way he feels his feet catch unstable ground. A shriek flies out of his mouth and his arms flail out to his sides as his feet disappear from beneath him. There is a gasp from beside him and suddenly someone’s hands are on him, trying to stop him from falling. For a moment Baekhyun regains his footing, but the ice betrays him and he falls with a scream -

But he doesn’t hit the ground. His body slings into the hands of the stranger walking by, who now holds his lower and upper back with strong arms and hot hands that Baekhyun can feel through his coat. Baekhyun had thrown his arms around the stranger’s neck without realizing it, and now they stare each other in the face, lit by the pretty lights around them.

Wow, Baekhyun thinks, his lips moving on their own but they’re unable to form any words. This man is…really…handsome…

“Are you okay?” the tall, smooth-faced man asks, his voice moving like melted chocolate. His hair falls over his face, over his slim brows and kind, smiling eyes, though he’s frowning now with worry. He doesn’t let go. Baekhyun just lays there, just a few feet off the ground, staring. The stranger stares back.

You’re really strong, Baekhyun almost murmurs. Then, You’re really kind. And, Wow thank you for saving my life.

But before he can say any of these things there is an amused yell off to the side:

“Hey! When’s the wedding?”

Baekhyun sees the stranger’s cheeks turn pink, and his suddenly do too. He thinks maybe he’ll just stay here…for…a long time...

But the taller man is shifting now, and Baekhyun is forced to stand back up on his own two feet. The stranger keeps one hand on the smaller's shoulder, one on his waist, to keep him steady on the patch of ice.

He watches Baekhyun expectantly. “Are you okay?”

Baekhyun points to the ground, blushing like crazy, and blurts, “Ice.”

The stranger laughs and removes his hands. “Yeah. Ice.”

They stand and stare and glance around and Baekhyun thinks that maybe he should leave this very handsome, sweet-looking person alone and move along, but he is caught staring at the stray hairs standing at odd ends on top of the other’s head.

“Thank you,” Baekhyun eventually says.

“I’m glad to be of assistance.”

There’s an estranged, though comfortable silence, which the stranger ends by holding out his hand and saying,

“Hi. I’m Park Chanyeol.”

Baekhyun grins and takes the man’s hand, recognizing the warmth. “I’m Baek Byun - No! I mean - Byun Baekhyun.”

Chanyeol smiles and steps closer, squeezing Baekhyun’s hand tighter. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Would you mind if I accompanied you down the street, to whatever your destination may be? I want to make sure you don’t encounter any more ice.”

“I…uh…” Those eyes…how they shine in the evening city glow, how they glint with anticipation. For a second Baekhyun feels the prickle of the tears that he thought were going to fall earlier. “I…I would love it if you accompanied me…down the street…to…my destination."

Chanyeol’s eyes brighten, and Baekhyun’s chest flutters at the sight - he dips his head, grinning. “Really?”

“Y-Yeah. I live a few blocks away.”

He feels suddenly Chanyeol’s heat against his side, and a gentle, casual hand on his back guiding him forward and off of the ice patch beneath his feet. Off to the side the same voice that had shouted earlier yells again:

“Just kiss him already!”

Baekhyun thinks that now he’s burning up. He’s in flames. His heart his searing. Chanyeol’s hand is fiery hot - 

He glances up at the grinning man behind the counter, lips pinched. After taking a bitter, distasteful sip of the black coffee, the coffee he promised he would drink, he then sends a dignified and mischievous smile at the taller. Two can play this game, he thinks. If this Chanyeol can be flirty and still manage to spell his name wrong, Baekhyun can pull some strings as well.

“Thank you,” he muses. “Channel.”

Chanyeol’s smile dims. “Channel?”

Baekhyun nods and takes another sip of his coffee, biting back another wince. He absolutely hates this coffee, but hey, it is worth coming back for the cute barista.

The taller corrects, “Oh, no, it’s Chanyeol."

Baekhyun grins and begins to stride away, to one of the tables in the corner as an enormous flux of customers float in. Chanyeol looks disappointed, looks like he wants to correct Baekhyun, but he becomes preoccupied with the new orders. “See you tomorrow, Channel.”

It goes on like this for many days.

Chanyeol opens the encounters with a medium, to-go cup of black coffee, inscribed with a pick-up line and his own signature, as well as Baekhyun’s misspelled name.

Baekyeun

I can feel something brewing between us…

- Chanyeol :)

To which Baekhyun replies,

“See you tomorrow, Chainyeol.”

And then,

Baekyeun

If you were ground coffee, you’d be espresso, cause you’re so fine

- Chanyeol ^.^

“Thanks for the coffee, Chanyelle.”

Followed by,

Baekyeun

Hold off on the sugar, cause you’re sweet enough for me

- Chanyeol %$@#\!

“Another great cup, Chanyayole”

And again,

Baekyeun

No lie, honey pie, you’re a bit of a TEAse

- Chanyeol o.o

Baekhyun laughs at this one, and responds with a flippant, “You’re so sweet, Chahnyeel.”

Things become escalated, however, when Baekhyun picks up his morning coffee and finds this scribbled onto the cup:

Baekyeun

Let me be the sugar daddy to your bitterness!

- The barista whose name you can’t pronounce correctly

“You’re so funny, Chanyool.” But he can’t dismiss the fighting blush on his cheeks or the amused chuckle of Chanyeol from behind the counter.

Baekyeun

There’s a latte we need to talk about. I want to know mocha ‘bout you.

- (say it like this: Chaan Yo - LL )

“Okay Chanyo-elle!”

As Baekhyun turns away with a wink, feeling satisfied even as he downs a gulp of black coffee, he hears Chanyeol call,

“I catch your drift Baekhyun.” The smaller turns back and spots Chanyeol smirking, simpering with delight. “I see what you’re doing.” He returns Baekhyun’s wink.

But as the smaller pushes out of the door he shouts back, “You probably can’t see anything, since you probably spell everyone’s name wrong on their to-go cup!”

He zooms out of the coffee shop, giggling like a child, before the barista can reply.

The next day, things are different.

When Baekhyun strides into the coffee shop, already smiling as he imagines Chanyeol waiting behind the counter, he finds Chanyeol characteristically ready with a cup of medium black coffee in hand. With a smug grin the barista slides it across the counter to an eager Baekhyun…

But when the smaller glances at the note written in Chanyeol’s wiggly, slanted writing his heart leaps.

Baekhyun

I know I’m the barista, but give me another shot?

- Chanyay-ah-oo-ee-oh-l

It takes Baekhyun a second to gather the courage to meet eyes with the man behind the counter, but when he does, a pair of beaming smiles grace each of their faces. Chanyeol watches Baekhyun expectantly, like a puppy waiting for a treat, but his expression visibly deflates into dismay when Baekhyun pushes the cup of coffee back across the counter.

Chanyeol’s face falls. “Oh…”

Baekhyun leans against the counter, and observes with joy when Chanyeol’s eyes lift as the smaller speaks. “As much as I love black coffee, I’m looking for something a little sweeter today.” He taps his chin playfully. “Know where I can find something more…sugary?”

Chanyeol clears his throat, pats his chest, and says, “I happen to make incredibly sweet hot chocolate. Would mister Baekhyun like some…chocolate?”

The stranger shrugs. “You never know what sort of surprises you might happen upon.”

Chanyeol can’t help but grin. “Whatever you say. Anything else?”

“No thanks.”

“What name should I put this under?”

“Baekhyun.”

“Baekhyun?”

“Baekhyun.”

“Baekhyun...”

“Yes, Baekhyun.”

“O-Oh.” He looks back up to the small boy and feels his cheeks heat up. “W-Would you like a receipt?”

“No thank you.”

“Is this for here or to go?”

“Here please.”

Chanyeol nods, takes Baekhyun’s money, and shifts behind the counter to prepare the drink. He prepares the water and collects the pre-ground beans - and thinks...

As Chanyeol leans over the counter and calls, trying not to blush as he does so, he thinks... “Baekhyun!”

In a moment the cute boy appears and eagerly reaches for the cup. As he does, his cold clammy fingers brush over Chanyeol’s heated ones before securing around the cup. This time, Chanyeol watches with joy as Baekhyun's pink cheeks darken a shade. “Thank you.”

Chanyeol then watches Baekhyun as he brings the steaming cup to his lips - Baekhyun takes a mouthful and immediately his face contorts into something disgusted. For a second Chanyeol thinks the customer will actually spit it out…but Baekhyun takes another, tiny sip. He winces and flaps his tongue again, moving to go sit down, but Chanyeol calls out to him,

“Baekhyun…right?”

The boy turns with wide eyes and nods.

Chanyeol smirks. “You don’t seem to like the coffee.”

“No. I do.” But as he says this he unconsciously glares dubiously at the mug.

Chanyeol chuckles. “You wouldn’t happen to be trying to act all mature by drinking that, are you?”

Baekhyun’s face flushes and he stutters, offended. He glances away, quickly sips the coffee, gags, then looks back at Chanyeol, clacking his bitter-coated tongue. “No. I - I most certainly am not trying to act mature by drinking this coffee.”

Chanyeol decides to tease the boy further, finding sincere pleasure in this activity. Baekhyun’s face is adorable, and is even more adorable when he appears flustered. “Oh…okay…gotcha. Just thought that maybe someone as cute as you needed some extra boost on the sophistication scale.”

After the words pop out of his mouth, even Chanyeol himself isn’t sure if it’s a compliment or an insult. It isn’t supposed to be the latter.

Baekhyun doesn’t seem to notice. He steps right up to the barista and leans forward, and quickly snaps, “Well actually Mister Flirty-Barista-Man, black coffee reduces risk of erectile dysfunction!”

It takes a moment for the words to sink in for the both of them. After a second Baekhyun slaps a hand over his mouth, then quickly pulls it away to blubber, “Not that I have a problem with that! Because I don’t. I - I just…”

Chanyeol purses his lips as he tries not to laugh. “No, it’s okay Baekhyun.”

“But I don’t have any dysfunction…down there.”

“Then why do you drink black coffee?”

“Because I like it!”

This time Chanyeol does laugh. “Whatever you say, Mister Baekhyun.”

“It has nothing to do with my maturity or sexuality!”

“Okay.”

“You don’t believe me!” Baekhyun points an accusatory finger at the barista - his pretty eyes are wide and desperate, embarrassed but also…perhaps a bit amused too. “I swear!”

Chanyeol leans onto his elbows and tilts his head at the smaller, grinning. “Okay, Mister Baekhyun.”

Baekhyun leans against the counter as well, eyes brazen. “I’ll prove it. I’ll come in here every day and order your black coffee and I’ll drink the whole damn thing. It has nothing to do with erectile dysfunction.”

Chanyeol nods. “Fine. But you don’t have to come in every day - I work here Tuesday through Friday mornings, and Saturday afternoons.”

“Fine.”

“Fine.”

Baekhyun grabs his cup and brings it up to his mouth, taking a large swing as he glares at Chanyeol. But Baekhyun’s eyes twitch and he looks like his mouth is going to melt right off his face in such severe distaste. He then pushes the only quarter-empty cup to the barista. Chanyeol catches the coffee and smiles. “I thought you said you were going to drink the whole thing.”

“That starts tomorrow. And…I have to go.”

“Oh…” he nods. “I hope my coffee isn’t that bad. The faces you make are hilarious.”

“No, your coffee is splendid.”

The bell dangling above the door of the shop jingles and a pack of customers flood in among gleeful conversation. Chanyeol stands, downs half of the cup in one swig without flinching, and then winks at Baekhyun with a grin. The boy blinks and blushes.

“See you tomorrow, Baekhyun.”

Except Baekhyun wasn’t hiding and waiting for him at the bedside. Chanyeol glanced up to look past the bathroom door - but it was empty, though a wafting scent of coconut shampoo drifted up to his nose, one he recognized instantly.

“Baekhyun?” he called, voice rumbling and hoarse. There was no response, although Chanyeol thought that maybe he heard something going on outside of the bedroom door. There was a muffled bang and clap. He immediately began to worry - leave it to Baekhyun to get himself into the oddest of trouble at any mundane time.

Alarmed, Chanyeol leapt out of bed and tripped over his feet, tugging on a pair of boxers and a massive sweater Baekhyun had gotten him for Christmas a month ago. As soon as he opened the door and flew out his ears nearly bursted; the peace of the bedroom clashed with the blaring soundtrack of…SHINee? 

And then he heard Baekhyun - at least, the clash and bang of pots and pans and spoons and running water in the kitchen. He discerned the sizzling of something in a skillet and the pop of a toaster coming up. Oh no, thought Chanyeol, Baekhyun was cooking. Danger danger danger. Chanyeol crept around the corner and stood lamely in the kitchen doorway, and looking upon the sight there he couldn’t help the beaming smile that stretched across his face.

“I’M MARRIED TO THE MUUSIC - “ sang Baekhyun as he exploded into dance, waving his cooking spoon around the air and frolicking about the floor as he whirled in choreography. His still-damp hair flapped against his head and made him look wet-puppyish. “nollaworaaaa - NEONUN NAUI MUSIC!”

Baekhyun danced and danced and then turned around and - 

“Chanyeol!” The wooden spoon went flying as it slipped out of Baekhyun's grip and clattered somewhere against the wall. Baekhyun stood in surprise, hand over his chest. “Oh um…I’m just…I’m just kind of…”

Chanyeol grinned, watching Baekhyun’s cheeks flush, and skipped into the kitchen, then took up Baekhyun’s hands in his own and began tugging him in circles. They threw themselves into the song and the rhythm and Chanyeol watched with delight as Baekhyun’s face went from shock and embarrassment to glee. The smaller boy grinned and danced along with Chanyeol, giggling. “I’m married to the music!” Chanyeol belted out, and Baekhyun sang back,

“nae soneul jaba Didida - kkok jaba Didida!”

They bursted out laughing and galloped back and forth and in circles, arms flailing and legs kicking. They danced and danced and sang along, and admired each other and danced even more. Chanyeol took Baekhyun in his arms and dance-hugged him and they continued flinging to the music - 

And then the song ended. Panting, giggling, and still jittery the two lovers collapsed on the floor.

“You haven’t showered yet,” mused Baekhyun absently through a chuckle.

“Why would I want to wash your scent from me just yet? I had to make sure you weren’t in here burning the house down or - “

“Oh god the eggs!”

Baekhyun jumped up and speedily turned off the stove, grabbed the pan, and stuck it under the water faucet. Chanyeol joined him at the sink and they watched their eggs-and-bacon breakfast go down the drain. 

“Well…” mused Baekhyun, pouting playfully. “Sorry Chanyeollie. I was going to make you breakfast but - “

Chanyeol turned Baekhyun to face him, wrapping his long, lanky arms around the smaller’s waist. Baekhyun looked up at him with a bashful smirk from under his lashes and the taller bumped their foreheads together with a smile.