ceraunos:

Send me a ship and a number and I’ll tell you: How do they hug? Kiss? Tease? Flirt? Comfort?

Thomas is an unstoppable flirt who, once he knows he can, never stops touching James. Light passing fluttering touches, brushing his fingers over James’ as he passes him things, a hand on his shoulder while they work, leaning over the same papers, trailing touches to James’ thighs when they’re alone (and sometimes when they’re not) that always lead further, in his hair while he sleeps, tickling freckles in the early mornings etc. etc. 

James has always been susceptible to Thomas’ touch, even before he knew for certain it was allowed, and succumbs every time. He’s far less casual about his affections though and when he flirts it’s like a hunter stalking his prey, carefully placed words disguised as innocence, a brief heated look that’s gone so fast Thomas wonders if he’s imagining it but is left desperate for more non-the-less.

It takes James a long time get comfortable enough with expressing his want, though, and he’s always cautious about pushing too hard, needing too much, so it’s usually Thomas that initiates things between them. It’s almost unusual, then, that James is the one who loves hugs, being cradled tight by Thomas’ arms a comforting reassurance that what they are is right and good.

Thomas kisses a thousand different ways, always knowing what is needed (even if the achingly slow, light presses of lips in all the places but one are sometimes the opposite of what James wants) and James takes every one and still asks for more, dominating while being dominated. 

After everything, when they’re finally together again, every touch, hug, kiss and flirtation is a comfort; a gentle easing of grief and pain for something far kinder.

Send me more numbers?