kayakking | (no subject)

[Tim leans forward, elbows on his knees, letting out a thoughtful sound.]

... Think that means it passes the test.

[He blinks once back to himself, glances at Tim next to him.]

I'm sorry?

Well.. I was hoping you'd like them.

They are nice. I don't see how I couldn't.

I don't know. Sometimes you're a bit... practical. Kind of gets in your own way.

Ah. That's... Fair.

There is a certain kind of wonder to this, though. It's... Simple. I-in a good way.

... I used to do the same thing, you know. Just sit and watch... Danny'd come up with elaborate plans and hiding places to catch Santa but...

I'd always end up falling asleep and waking up in bed in the morning.

Bit of holiday magic I wager.

[Parents. What a magic that is.

He looks to Tim again, remembering his promise. He wouldn't leave him hanging on an answer forever.]

Don't think you ever told me what you'd want for a gift.

[Tim flops back onto the couch cushions, dramatically.]

That's because I'm terrible at that. It's the worst question. It's like- do I risk being all soppy? But then come off as like, oh no, I don't want anything for reasons or do I think of like, material things and have to accept the mortal weight of getting old where you genuinely like socks.

It's a struggle.

Well, firstly, a good pair of socks are always welcome gifts.

[He moved to sit next to him, a fair mix of relaxed and nervous tension. All in the shoulders and hands folded together.]

I'm pretty rubbish at it myself. Realized it those few secret Santa exchanges we had.

I mean, your intentions were there, but you were.. like, I want to say, trying to still be strictly professional?

Trying, yes.

[He bumps shoulders gently.]

Don't think you all would've let me stay that way.

[The grin widens at that little nudge.]

Absolutely not.

You did certainly try those first couple of years.

[Sighs and falls silent again, watching the lights do their Christmas twinkle patterns.]

I can think of one thing for you though.

If it wasn't for that pesky promotion it would have worked, too.

[Brows raise and he angles a look back, the jovial tone settling back into curiosity at his expression.]

Yeah?

Come here?

[Just leaning in conspiratorially.]

[Can those brows raise further?? SURE CAN. But he leans in as well, a little smile spreading.]

[He watches, those brown sharp eyes looking back at him. Thinks it over; he had talked to Algric, they're okay and will be. It does come down to if he wants this and really? Thinking back it feels like he should have those first times he was asked in Research.

Not a word spoken, but Jonah leans in carefully, kissing Tim's cheek and not intending to catch the corner of his lips but even his aim can be off.]

[More fool him, he turns a little bit when Jonah closes the gap, having perhaps, ACTUALLY expected a comment or plan (or maybe only a little hoped...)

It's such a light brush at the corner, such an earnest show of open affection. It is such an easy, natural extension of the conversation they just had, and still managed to surprise him.

It gets that sudden, delighted laugh.]

I-

-Okay, that. Yes. That was on my wishlist.

I thought it might be.

[He leans a little into his shoulder, head ducked down.]

Algric said some days hell be ferociously jealous, but I'll be taking care of that as it comes.

[Oh no, that's adorable. He shifts an arm out to wrap around Jonah's shoulders.]

Ah, good. I mean, the talked part, not the jealous bit.

... That's probably a we thing there. I mean, he's important to me too.

We'll work it all out. This is... Fairly new to us I think.

[But he will soak up that warmth like the feral cat let inside that he is.]

I did promise I wouldn't let you hang on my answer too long.

You are, in fact, a man of your word.

[He leans a little.]

Hmm, I'm not sure about that first one though. Oh! I know. We should try again.

Oh you think so? A second test of the theory?

It's just proper science.

[And this time? Leans down, pulling him just a little bit closer for a proper kiss.]