Cuddles with Love
Jackson had been staring at the TV since he finished his after-game shower. His body felt like it might become a permanent fixture of the couch at this point. There were a lot of times where he wanted to go out after a game, adrenaline pumping throughout his body and just wanting to dance the night away.
Tonight was obviously not one of those nights. He just wanted to chill at their apartment, watch Friends and not move until he absolutely had to.
Just as Rachel and Ross started fighting about something, the bathroom door opened and Zhenya came out. And well… Jackson would always move for him. Zhenya was only wearing a pair of sweats, not bothering with a shirt.
“You watch same episode yesterday. They fight about list.” Zhenya said, climbing onto the couch and sprawling on top of Nado.
Jackson shook his head as he wrapped his arms around Zhenya, “No, this is a different one. They’re fighting about whether or not they were on a break now.” He murmured, fingers running through the other man’s hair.
He loved times like this, where they had nowhere to be. They could just be together. Cuddling had become one of his favorite pastimes, especially cuddling like this.
Zhenya, as giant as he was, loved to curl up on his chest. He seemed smaller then, still a comforting presence though.
“I think he cheat.” Zhenya murmured, resting his head so he could hear Jackson’s heartbeat, steady and strong.
Laughing softly, Jackson nodded, “Yeah, you and everyone else. Except for Ross. Who never thinks he could be in the wrong.”
Zhenya hummed but didn’t reply, enjoying the gentle fingers playing with his hair. Jackson had never met someone so similar to a golden retriever. So cuddly and happy. His other hand moved to rub over Zhenya’s back in slow circles.
Honestly, Jackson was unsure how he got so lucky. It had been 7 months since he made the abrupt trip to Russia. Seven months and he didn’t think he had ever been happier. When he first joined the NHL, he never even knew this would be an option. At that point, he didn’t even know if he’d want it to be an option. But laying here with Zhenya on his chest, there’s nowhere he’d rather be.
“Hey, where you?” Zhenya asked when the fingers slowed in his hair, peeking up.
Jackson shook his head, meeting gentle brown eyes, “I’m right here, just thinking.”
Zhenya chuckled, “Thinking? Not good idea. Smoke come out of ears.” He teased, leaning up to press a gentle kiss to the scar that ran down Jackson’s cheek.
Smiling softly, Jackson reached up to cup Zhenya’s face, “Hey.” He said softly.
“Hmm?”
“I love you.” Jackson whispered. He couldn’t say it louder, this was for them alone. It had been on the tip of his tongue for weeks, if not months and now he said it.
Zhenya’s eyes widened before he leaned in, pulling Jackson in for a passionate kiss, “Love you too. Always.” He looked slightly as though he was in a daze.
Jackson smiled into the kiss before leaning into Zhenya’s touch, “You had to know. You’re it for me, Zhenya.” He murmured quietly, leaning their foreheads together.
“For me too. Of course.” Zhenya said softly, closing his eyes as he basked in the moment.
The road wouldn’t be easy for them, but they had each other.
That’s all that mattered.