Regrets and subpar coffee

Raphael's eyes slowly opened, and his hands moved automatically, patting the place on the mattress next to him when he didn't feel the familiar weight on his arm. It took him a few seconds in his sleepy, dazed state to realize that it was empty. Completely empty—and that he was the only one in the bed.

This realization quickly made any trace of sleep disappear as he shot up from the bed. His eyes darted around the room.

"No, no, no, no, no—"

He swung his legs off the bed and got up. Where was Elias?

His legs almost got tangled in the covers as he hurried off the bed, calling out, "Love?"

No reply.

His heart beat wildly in his chest as he made his way out of the bedroom, looking around.

No, no, you're overthinking. He's probably just in the bathroom or the kitchen. You're just... thinking too much. He tried to calm himself down, hoping that his thoughts were playing tricks on him. It was too quiet.

"Elias, love? Where are you? Elias..."

He hurried out of the bedroom into the lobby, calling out for the other. That was when he saw him and almost slumped against the nearby wall in relief. There... There he was. In the kitchen.

The realization that the empty bed—which had panicked him so much today—would have to be his normal from now on hurt. They might have spent less than a fortnight together, but somehow, it felt like he'd broken a years-old routine. He tried not to think about it.

Elias didn't seem to have heard him. Raphael didn't say anything else, just walking to the other and wrapping his arms around the slender waist from behind.

"What are you doing, baby?" he asked, burying his head in the crook of the other's neck.

"Hmm?" Elias leaned back, his lips curling upwards, feeling the other's embrace. He couldn't help but think how warm it was. He replied, "I'm making us coffee. Latte for you, right?" he asked, even though they both knew the answer. They were both unhealthy sugar addicts.

Raphael hummed in approval as he heard the other's question. He closed his eyes, focusing on the warmth he felt from being so close to the other's body, savoring the moment. It was going to end soon. He had to hold onto it while he still could.

When he finally spoke again, he couldn't keep the bitter undertone of longing from seeping into his voice. "Mhm, you know me so well... But you really didn't have to. I could have made the coffee."

That earned a chuckle from Elias. He rolled his eyes lightly. "That's a really nice way of saying I make shitty coffee, Raphael."

"That's not what I me—" Raphael started to protest, but he was cut off by the other snickering at him, and he had to hold back a smile. Elias was just kidding. He scoffed fondly, "Oh, come on. I try to be a sweet gentleman, and this is the response you give? Rude."

Elias repeated, a hint of a smirk in his tone, "A gentleman, huh?"

That made Raphael tighten his arms around the other's waist, pulling him closer. He knew they'd have to address the elephant in the room soon, but he couldn't help wanting to stay like this—with the other in his arms—even if it was only for a moment. He spoke in a mock-offended tone, "Excuse you. I'll have you know that I am the epitome of classiness and chivalry."

In response, Elias just laughed before turning so they were face-to-face. He held up two mugs, offering one to him. "Here. Your coffee."

Raphael leaned forward, not taking the cup from the other's hand just yet, and took a sip instead. A bit of foam smeared the side of his lip as he straightened, wiping it with his tongue. A hum of approval escaped his mouth, but on the surface, he made a face, continuing the joke from earlier. "Well, it's subpar, but it'll have to do since I don't want to hurt your feelings. I'm so considerate, aren't I?"

That earned him a light elbow to the abdomen, and in response, he just laughed.

After that, they had breakfast. Conversation flowed easily, but it was obvious it was a forced attempt at some semblance of normalcy. By about 11, here they were. Ready to go.

Raphael held the other's bag, which contained the spare clothes, products—all the things Elias had brought.

Raphael absentmindedly fiddled with the car keys as he glanced at Elias, who was tying up his hair.

"You ready?"

"Yeah. Let's go."