THEM FANCY LADS, CONT. (Nikolas/Winter)

[oneinfive]

[From here:

Well, here they are, on the world's most introverted date, the one that only the extravert between them realizes is a date.

Which is to say, that evening, when he'd normally be retiring to his rooms, Nikolas makes his way to Winter's little private study instead for all that reading Winter seems to think can be a social activity. Maybe he isn't wrong. It can at least be a comfortable one, between the two of them, at this point; that counts for a lot. It's been so very long since most things between them were comfortable. If sitting together in amicable silence, maybe even leaning on one another, can join that list, Nikolas is more than happy to make the first move in adding it.

He raps lightly and quickly on the door, as if worried he might be overheard. It's quite unlike his usual way of being.]

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[softariel]

[ Winter, on the other hand, perks up visibly when Nikolas moves. He doesn't notice the reluctance at first, too eager with anticipation. In everything he's read, all the books and plays and overheard in whispered stories, this is absolutely the lead in to a kiss. Even if he's had them before (with this man, here), he's definitely anticipating more than that.

But when Nikolas hesitates, Winter cocks his head, reaching up to settle his hands lightly on Nikolas's shoulders. ]

I'll do what I must, if I must. But -- for tonight, at least, I'd much rather not assume the worst. Tomorrow, we can be more serious about it, but for tonight... I'd like it very much if we could both be happy.

[oneinfive]

Oh, Winter. My Winter. How can I not be, right now?

[His expression and tone both soften under Winter's gaze and touch like a fruit ripening under the sun. How can he not be? And how can he not lean in for the kiss, soft but hungry, his lips meeting Winter's in a slow motion crash of spreading warmth?]