Archive of Our Own

Rhys stepped back into the comfort of his and his boyfriends shared flat around midday. After he'd had to leave in the morning first for an ungodly early lecture, he was now entering an empty flat, both Astarion and Kelari were out for their own coursework.

His phone buzzed as soon as he’d put down his bag and stretched his tired muscles.

Rhys chuckled softly. His whole body felt warm with endearment, as always when Kelari was caring and looking out for him.

It was true, Rhys was blessed with not just one, but two boyfriends extremely proficient at neglecting their basic needs. While Astarion was prone to disappearing into a study session and almost punishing himself (“One more chapter, then I’ll eat”), Kelari was likely to simply lack the time management skills to fit proper cooking into his schedule. Rhys had been feeding these two for basically their entire relationship, and he didn’t mind it. He actually loved caring for them and feeling needed in such a tangible way if he was honest with himself. They repaid him in their own ways, helping him take care of himself in the ways he was lacking, like taking proper breaks between all his responsibilities.

He was very proud of Kelari for having had the time in the morning to prepare himself a meal, he was however scared of the state he was now gonna find their kitchen in. Kelari was not known to be very good at cleaning as he went. It wasn’t on purpose, he was just easily distracted. As if the tiefling was reading his mind, Rhys’ phone buzzed again as soon as the thought formed.

Rhys entered the kitchen at that very moment, to indeed find it in an immaculate state, no dishes in the sink, utensils put away, even the mixer had been cleaned, a absolutely dreaded task, even for Rhys. The sight of the counter top however made the half-drow laugh in confusion.

He took a picture and send it quickly. On it, in the middle of the sparkly clean counter-top, clear as day visible, was a light blue plastic box and a clear bottle with a protein drink inside. Kelari’s lunch.

Kelari knew him too well. But Rhys was already putting the lunch into his backpack and grabbing his keys to make his way back out the door. There was no world in which he wouldn’t bring his adorable boyfriend his lunch he had so painstakingly prepared, no chance.

Rhys wasn’t kidding. He loved that man and spending his break with him, even if it was short, was a better rest for him than any time at home by himself.