I’m sure there will be the right time to get all the answers.

Mika contemplated as his body sank into the warm water. He felt that what he was receiving now from Aleksandr was more than enough, and he didn’t need to know more. He is not in a hurry. Not yet.

Besides, what is the point of asking him questions? People can make even the most ridiculous promises when caught in the heat of the moment.

Mika heard ‘I love you’ and ‘You’re the one for me’ so many times in his life, yet as time went by, it became clear that none of those times were sincere. They were just empty words. Something that was supposed to be strong was always crushed down by the smallest wind.

“What is love?” Mika asked himself as he splashed water onto his face. “Have I ever felt loved before as I’m feeling now thanks to him?”

Aleksandr might not have been the best at expressing his feelings using words, but he was trying his best with his actions. It was all that mattered to Mika – Aleksandr saw him at his lowest and accepted him just the way he is.

Mika stretched his body into the bathtub – even though he was used to regular training, he could feel some of his muscles, almost like the night before was the first time he had used them in a long time. “He had a good technique though…” Mika remarked, laughing to himself. “I should probably work more on my stamina, otherwise I won’t be able to keep pace with him.”

Feeling all his body became dangerously aroused, he decided it was better to finish washing and join Aleksandr. After drying himself, he put on a set of clothes which Aleksandr had prepared for him in advance.

“I didn’t see him wear a T-shirt a single time. I hope he didn’t buy it just for this occasion. No… it can’t be,” he mused, looking in the mirror as he loosely tied back his shoulder-length hair into a bun, leaving a few strands.

He quietly opened the bathroom door and, without making too much noise, went to the kitchen. The first thing he saw when he entered the kitchen was Aleksandr’s back and his broad shoulders. The very same that embraced him yesterday and made him cry in pleasure.

He was already fully dressed, the sleeves of his dress shirt were rolled up, his hair was styled – all this as if he was ready to go to work, and the last night never happened.

Does it mean he’s back to his usual self now that he’s wearing those clothes?

Curious, Mika quietly approached him from behind and wrapped his arms around his waist. “Now I can say it: Good morning, Aleksandr,” he said with a cheerful voice while placing a gentle kiss on his neck.

A silence fell across the kitchen. Mika saw Aleksandr’s ears turning slightly red before he blurted out a short, “G-Good morning.”

Seeing his reaction, Mika loosened his grip, but Aleksandr stopped his hands. “Don’t… don’t take them away.”

Mika rested his chin on Aleksandr’s right shoulder. “I thought you didn’t like it. I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.”

“No, I like it. I really do. I’m just… not used to this.” Mika saw a faint smile on Aleksandr’s face.

It wasn’t the first time Mika noticed how cute Aleksandr’s reaction was: he was behaving like a shy teenager over a simple hug or confession when just a few hours ago he didn’t have the slightest problems in leading in bed and making Mika’s mind go crazy.

“Should I help you with something?” Mika asked, but Aleksandr shook his head and asked him to go to the living room, mentioning that everything was ready.

Mika’s eyes went wide with surprise as he entered the room. He froze upon seeing a table full of food: chlebíčky*, two types of salads, shakshuka, and several croissants, each with a different topping. “When did you manage to prepare all of this?”

“I didn’t. I ordered.”

“Uff, thank god! I would feel bad knowing you’ve made all of this.”

“Why?”

Why? Is he seriously asking me this question?

Mika let out a small laugh, then turned to him and started counting on his fingers, “First, I woke up refreshed, which means you cleaned me after the sex while I fell asleep. Second, the bath was already waiting for me when I woke up. Third, you have prepared a fresh set of clothes for me and…I’m pretty sure you’ve bought that T-shirt just for me, because I’ve never seen you wearing one,” Mika paused, pointing at the T-shirt he was wearing. “And you’re asking me, ‘Why’? I’m getting a 5-star full-service from you while I didn’t even move a finger,” he explained. Not to mention the amazing sex, but he didn’t say that part out loud.

“Yes, you’re right. I cleaned you, bought that T-shirt just for you, and did all the other stuff you mentioned. Is this bad? Should I stop doing this?” he asked, his eyebrows raised.
 
“That’s not the point, Aleksandr,” Mika brushed his hair, thinking how to explain to him that he didn’t have to do all those things.

“What’s the problem then?”

“I feel it’s too much. You don’t have to try so hard for me. How am I ever gonna repay you?” hint of concern in his voice.

“Why are you mentioning the ‘repayment’ part? Have I ever said anything about it? All I ever asked about was for you to accept me and not meet with other men while we’re together. That’s all there is. And the things I did - I did them because I wanted to. And I want to do them as well as much more in the future, if you’re fine with it,” Aleksandr explained, his voice calm as always. He was ready to give Mika the entire world if that was his wish.
 
“How could I not be fine? Aleksandr...you’re…you’re… making me speechless again,” Mika let out a loud sigh and rubbed his forehead helplessly, feeling completely defended by Aleksandr’s kindness and attention.

____
Dictionary:
- chlebíčky: Czechia’s bite-sized open-faced sandwiches, a popular appetizer.