[There were a hell of a lot of things Steve wouldn't think twice about if James wanted to tease him; his relationships with other people wasn't one of them. James' easy acceptance was just as much a relief as the rest of it. Steve fought tears as that internal pit closed up and he snatched the man into both arms, squeezing him tightly enough to make it a little hard to breathe.

Steve buried his face in James' neck, wishing he never had to let go.]


Yes! Fuck yes. That's all I'd ever ask, I swear! And I'll do the same for you! And we can always talk about things, if there's ever something you want. I . . . I'm really much better behaved when I have some warning. I just need a little time to think about things, you know? But honestly, I don't need anything extra to be happy with you James. Just watching you breathe makes me hard . . .


[Just imagining the man was enough to get him hard, let alone being in the same room. But he could make everything work. Calling instead of just dropping over, not bringing people home himself if he thought James might show up. Easy things, things he would have done anyway. The fact the man seemed to care about him in the same way was the most wonderful part. It wasn't a mistake, and he wouldn't automatically be hurt by not being enough. He'd never blamed Lucas for that pain, the man had never been anything but up front about his feelings, but it had still hurt. Steve wasn't a man who could tell his heart something and have it stick.

He relaxed his hold on James eventually, lifting his head to meet the man's eyes again, a little smile on his lips.]


So, is it ok to say the words, or would that be too much?