Adoration

intolerablexsacrifice:

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_{No-one had ever showered James in compliments the way Thomas did. He was not unfamiliar with praise, exactly–it was often given by his superiors–but to be praised like this, just for Being, just for the small things that Thomas found so lovable in him, was… entirely something else. Who could blame him, really, for having to hide his face in Thomas’ chest while he processed it?}

_{He might have offered a token, flustered grumble upon raising his head again had Thomas not drawn him in so swiftly. James melted immediately against him, whole body pressing forward like it was starving for this. He was still burning- the blush had spread down his throat and fanned out- but Thomas was forgiven, if James’ eagerness to be closer was anything to go by.}

_{“You did that on purpose, you shit,” he muttered, bumping Thomas’ nose affectionately with his own, eyes closed. Both of James’ hands had splayed themselves over the other’s chest, just… resting there, just feeling him, like confirmation that this was real. Then, opening his eyes to glare at Thomas with nothing short of the utmost fondness (and watching carefully for his reaction), James added: “Fortunately, I adore you, so you’re forgiven.”}

It was a true blessing for them all that Thomas was not a particularly artistic man, for were he of the capacity to immortalize how adorable James looked in that moment he surely would have taken the time to do so. As it was, he simply kept his hand against the warmth of his lover’s skin and smiled, his thumb tracing a jaw that had known the lips of both himself and his wife. 

His thoughts were waxing toward the poetic when the man spoke, jarring him from it in a delightfully crass manner that startled a laugh from Thomas before he could think to contain it. Running his hands soothingly along James’ sides to assure him that the laughter came from a place of fondness rather than mockery – ever aware that the line they walked was one that was still fettered by the chains society had wrapped around his lieutenant’s neck like a noose – Thomas hummed approval as he found himself being teased. There was an endearing mischief in James that Thomas dearly hoped to see more of. 

He did not hide the fondness in his own smile as he replied, “I am blessed indeed to have your adoration,” Forgiveness was rarely something Thomas ever sought, but the adoration of a loved one – that could carry a man very far indeed. “I do hope that I never lose it.” Genuine sentiment masked behind teasing words as he laid a soft kiss on his lover’s cheek.