[Dear god. If kisses like that were going to come to him, even infrequently, he'd never need the man to say the words. Steve almost wept at the lingering kiss, giving a shuddering sigh as James nestled against his shoulder. He gave thanks to the powers that be the man couldn't see how close to breaking down he was, though James might be able to feel it in the sudden tension as he fought the waves of emotions trying to drown him. But they were all happy things, maybe a tad wistful, but on the whole completely happy.

What they were currently sharing? That was what you expected after confessing love to someone. And Steve hadn't really believed he'd get it. So often he'd had that potential dangled in front of him only to have it snatched back at the last second. His voice was gruff when he finally spoke, and thick with emotion still.]


Anything. You especially, but don't force it. I can be patient, all evidence to the contrary. I can talk more about me if it's easier, though questions will probably get more coherent answers than me rambling. Of course, I may have to stop now and then and remind you that I love you. Just so you don't forget.


[And because it gave him joy to say the words and mean them. The fact that James seemed to want to hear them made it even better. It wasn't paradise and never would be, but it was real, and it was something they could build on, and James looked like he was willing to at least try.]