[Steve moved fast, suddenly in front of James, his hand covering the man's on the journal. If the guy wanted to take that back, he had a fight on his hands. A big one.

He spoke softly, lips near James' ear, his hand warm and gentle over the other man's.]


I never said that. I appreciate any gift given to me, especially from you. But what's this about you liking journals? I didn't know that, but it explains a lot about why you gave me one.


[Steve bent his head lower, slowly nuzzling in just beneath James' ear, giving the man time to pull away if he wanted. His thumb stroked over James' knuckles slowly, hungry for the contact, almost desperate for it.]