[He grunted softly at the poke, grinning, and continued to just appreciate the man on his lap. James was ridiculously smart, though he'd never had occasion to quiz him on knowledge or anything. Steve could see it in the man's eyes, practically hear James' mind whirring away when faced with a problem. It was sexy as hell. He'd always had a thing for smart, resourceful people.
He chuckled at the way James begged off on the age difference though. Steve was perfectly happy to let it go, although it did truly amuse him. Most people didn't like being called old after all, as he should know. Still, it was nice not being the oldest guy in the room, after a fashion anyway.]
[That expectant look in James' eyes had him trapped, however, more so than he'd expected. As if the man really did know what was coming and wanted it. But did he truly? Even after their conversation, it would change everything, and he'd been burned before. Steve wasn't eager to feel that pain again, and as he dithered, James took action. Those thinned lips and obvious disappointment clawed at him and Steve grabbed the hand James held out, squeezing it hard in a frantic attempt to keep the man in place.
He forced the words before he lost the nerve forever, taking one last chance at hearing them back, though he didn't expect the day that happened to be then. As long as James didn't mock him, or tell him it could never be because he would never be enough, he'd be ok. But the fear of rejection was sharp and bitter and he hated the weakness that made him hesitate at all.]
Forget the present! I . . . James I love you! I mean I'm in love with you!
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He chuckled at the way James begged off on the age difference though. Steve was perfectly happy to let it go, although it did truly amuse him. Most people didn't like being called old after all, as he should know. Still, it was nice not being the oldest guy in the room, after a fashion anyway.]
[That expectant look in James' eyes had him trapped, however, more so than he'd expected. As if the man really did know what was coming and wanted it. But did he truly? Even after their conversation, it would change everything, and he'd been burned before. Steve wasn't eager to feel that pain again, and as he dithered, James took action. Those thinned lips and obvious disappointment clawed at him and Steve grabbed the hand James held out, squeezing it hard in a frantic attempt to keep the man in place.
He forced the words before he lost the nerve forever, taking one last chance at hearing them back, though he didn't expect the day that happened to be then. As long as James didn't mock him, or tell him it could never be because he would never be enough, he'd be ok. But the fear of rejection was sharp and bitter and he hated the weakness that made him hesitate at all.]
Forget the present! I . . . James I love you! I mean I'm in love with you!