[It was usually easy to remember not to crush people, but James wasn't just people, and he might still try to run away. They were talking deep feelings at the moment and Steve knew that was neither easy nor comfortable for the man. He hadn't actually meant to to hurt his lover though, and he reluctantly loosened his hold when James started squirming, which actually felt a lot better than it should have. He grunted at the pinch and started to smile, but it was arrested halfway.

He opened his mouth, then shut it. If he mentioned love, it could ruin everything. On the other hand, if he didn't, he'd never know if it pleased James or not, not to mention the fact he'd likely never get it from James himself. But that was ok. More than ok really. Steve wasn't always good with words, as witness their entire conversation, but actions? He could tell if someone cared deeply about him well enough, and whether James ever mentioned it again or not, the man cared. He could live with that, especially since James wasn't likely to say it to anyone else either. He gave the man a soft look, smiling even as he leaned in for another kiss, hands gentle where they lay on James' back.]


Nevermind. How about we go back to my place? There's scotch and glasses, as well as privacy and a bed. Don't I owe you something naughty?


[Steve would have been content to talk too, or just stand in the same room for that matter, but James didn't strike him as the chatting type when something else was on offer. And he was more than willing to offer just about anything if it kept the man in his presence longer. He was greedy for more of James' time, his attention, and that would never change, no matter what form the contact took.]