Chapter Text
It begun with the crumbs.
Ever since Scott and Theo started to live together at Scott’s - ‘for a probation period only, Scott’ and it took Scott all of his will power not to roll his eyes at that or smother Theo with kisses - Scott noticed, how clean Theo was.
At the begging, Scott thought, that that was just Theo’s nature, that the liked order and spotless surfaces. But, the longer they shared the apartment, the stronger Scott’s bad vibes got. Scott even suspected some mild case of OCD on Theo’s part.
Until, one night, deep in the early hours of winter morning, drowsy Scott stumbled upon sleep-walking Theo, crouching in the middle of the kitchen floor, scrubbing between tiles with a bleach soak toothbrush. His knuckles were brushed raw and he was chanting under his breath ‘it’s gotta be clean, clean up your mess, Theo, or Scott will change his mind and won’t want to live with your filthy ass anymore. Clean after yourself, Theo. It’s gotta be…” over and over again.
After picking pliant Theo off the floor, putting him back to bed to warm him up and cuddle the shit out of the man, the very next day Scott threw all of the corrosive variety of cleaning supplies away and bought a Roomba.
There was a big argument about both of those actions and the upcoming silent days were really hard on Scott. But if there was one thing Scott was not willing to compromise on, was Theo’s well-being.
The little robot was met with distrust and over the top ridicule, but after some time Theo started to look like he appreciated the help. A purchase of nicely smelling, skin-safe and environment friendly assortment of cleaning products was the olive-branch they both needed to get back to each other.
Some people wanted perfumes. Others, preferred bathroom cleaning spray that smelled like tangerine and basil.
Or a Roomba.
Over time, the robot got its cover mysteriously covered with a fetching shade of red, some black spots and antennae made out of pipe cleaners sticked on.
It was at the same time, that Scott noticed Theo’s new habit of pushing all the crumbs over the kitchen counter, not meticulously brushing them into his hand and disposing them into the sink.
“What are you doing?” - he asked, feigning obliviousness over his breakfast, as not to make Theo apprehensive and pull up his guard.
“Hmmm?” Theo was truly distracted, as fastidious in his endeavor of throwing all of the chocolate chips, blueberry stems and flour crumbs created during pancake making to the floor, like he would be with cleaning them up.
The Roomba was spinning around Theo’s feet like an affectionate cat, scooping the mess up back and forth, twirling with almost life-like joy.
The resulting smile as Theo watched the robot’s antics, almost took Scott’s breath away.
He stood up, holding his empty mug as an excuse, stepped over the robot and hip-bumped Theo, while reaching around him to the coffee carafe.
“Are you feeding the Roomba, love?” - he teased straight into his ear, feeling a faint blush spreading over Theo’s cheek.
“I guess I am,” answered Theo, leaning into Scott’s frame, “Ladybug likes to be productive.” He exposed his neck for Scott to nuzzle freely.
Scott couldn’t help himself and took a deep breath to check. Theo smelled like maple syrup, melted butter and contentment.
“Ladybug, huh?” Scott teased some more, forgetting his mug on the counter, putting his hands on Theo’s hips to turn him fully to pull him closer. Theo went willingly, plastering himself to Scott, his hands going into Scott’s hair.
“I was thinking ‘Cockroach’,” said Theo, playing with the dark strands and bumping his nose to Scott’s, “but she’s too well behaved for such slander…” He didn’t get to finish his thought, as Scott kissed him, chasing the lingering taste of sweetness on his tongue.