[ Jim grins at Finn's laughter, surprised and amused by it. Yes, the mess is going to be taken very seriously, and dealt with accordingly. ]
Hold on, I've got something for that.
[ He produces a bottle of alcohol from somewhere, as well as a few cotton pads. ]
Carefully— shake off the most of it into the tray, or the bin. Then hold your hands out, palms up, for me.
[ Meanwhile Jim soaks the cotton pad in alcohol, and once Blue's gotten the loose bits off his fingers, Jim carefully holds him by a wrist and starts dabbing the glitter off, pressing the pad and rubbing when needed. ]
[Blue still can't shake how surreal this feels - simple crafts for no other purpose than enjoyment, glue and glitter...it's childlike in a way. maybe that's why he keeps thinking of the children, imagining their own delight were they to be able to do this.
maybe it would be feasible, somehow, to forego the undoing of regret simply to give the children a chance to be here, surrounded by kind souls who can teach them things like this.]
...Thank you. [it's murmured quietly in the midst of being tended to, and it's easy enough to see that its gratitude for a bit more than just a bit of cleanup. beneath that humility is a little stirring of remorse - a notion of I wish this had happened sooner that Finn could glean with a bit of extra focus for the moment or two it's there to be gleaned.]
[ Finn pauses what he's doing to watch. At first, it's because he's interested in how to remove glitter, but it quickly transitions into just watching the pair of them being super cute. James with how much care and thought he's put towards all this and how he holds Blue's hand so sweetly, and Blue with the innocent wonder and trust and the light blush on his cheeks. Finn smiles at the display they make until-
Until something deep and sad trickles in. His eyes turn to Blue, and he feels that remorse clearly. Sadness and mourning about the past. Finn's... done the same quite a lot over the last year. Hell, he's feeling it now.
He reaches out to gently hold Blue's free hand without even thinking about it, wanting to tell him that this is a good thing, a great thing, that this is all happening now, that it's happening at all. But he doesn't say any of that, not really wanting to acknowledge it unless Blue does first.
His gaze turns to Jim, his smile warm and a little sad. ] It is. Thank you.
[ Jim doesn't share their unique abilities, so those feelings don't reach him right away. He only smiles at Blue's words, finishing up the cleaning on one hand and then moving to the other. ]
Don't mention it. Just thought it'd be nice to do something together.
[ With the same care and attention, he cleans up the second hand, removing most of the glitter off Blue's fingers. At some point, between the shared touch between him and Blue, and his own connection with Finn, those sadder, quieter feelings reach him, and his smile dims as he slows to a halt, looking up and between the two.
He takes Blue's hand, but this time it's more of a hold that serves no purpose other than offer comfort; and he offers his other hand to Finn, so he'll take it. ]
I'm glad I get to share this with the two of you, too.
[it's a warm and gentle moment - the kind of thing Blue wishes he could make last. he's terribly grateful for these two; were they not here, how lonely it would be. that's not to discredit the kindness he's been shown by others, but there's a different level of focus and care given him by Finn and Jim, never even minding being the ones to physically carry him out of harm's way! there's a lot to it.
were Blue a more prideful sort, perhaps he'd be quicker to pry free of the attention and care...so maybe that wish to have known them sooner would just shoot him in the foot, given his younger self's dispositions. right now might be exactly the right time, and wondering any differently is just idle thought.
so for now, Blue gently squeezes those hands holding onto his, as if he could impress their importance into his skin, before his grip slacks.
he lightly taps the top of Finn's hand:] You should finish the one you started. I think... [giving Jim a glance.] I'll leave mine as-is.
[ Finn easily slides his hand over, taking his hand gently. He's not really sure how but Finn knows that James sees what Blue's feeling. That's still something curious, how easily he connects mentally like this, but that's not on his mind now. Finn gives him a warm, grateful, caring smile ]
So am I...
[ He looks back to Blue and the squeeze of his hand means... so much. Finn can feel that importance. More than that, he understands. Knowing that he means so much to Blue, it kind of makes him want to lean over and press a kiss to his cheek.
But he doesn't. He wants to, though.
Finn takes his hand back from Blue, picks at his newer snowflake as if to give it a closer look. ]
Simple sounds nice. I think I'll just give it a little color.
[ Much better idea than whatever atrocious rainbow he was about to deck it out in. So he goes for the markers again, picking out a blue one. For no reason, of course. ]
[ That heavy weight from before, brief though it was, seems to be gone now, and Jim's pretty pleased that he's managed to help them both pull from that mood. He smiles and relinquishes both their hands, crossing his arms over the table, happier to watch Finn than he is interested in doing another snowflake. ]
Ah. I like blue, too.
[ He offers ever so innocently, smile equally so. No, they mean absolutely nothing by that, of course. ]
Do you guys want some hot chocolate? I found some in the kitchen earlier today.
whew...between that and the vibes from Finn, Blue finds himself in a pretty novel circumstance, doesn't he? well, novel for him. it's not hard for the memory of that mistletoe kiss to come to mind...faster than a freight train.
bracing through that fluttery feeling means he misses the timing of that question by a few beats, murmuring under any response Finn might've had.]
[ Finn absolutely perks up at the mention of hot chocolate. He'd heard of it but it was such a rarity that he hasn't even so much as seen it before. (Though, that was probably more due to his circumstances than supplies.) ]
Yes, please.
[ And Blue seems to agree, too, sweet as he is. Finn's smile comes back. ]
[ Jim gets up with their prompt agreement, shaking his head at Finn. ]
No, you two stay put. I'll be right back.
[ Just gonna steal a quick smooch from Finn first, then he vanishes into the kitchen. Just try not to spill the glitter all over everything while he's gone, guys. ]
[in very quick retrospect, a warmer drink might not be the right call. Blue brings a hand to his face, pressing the back of it against a burning cheek.
while rubbing under his bangs:] It was kind of you, too. Finn. For letting me be here.
[ Finn likes the smooch very much, thank you. He happily melts a little, watching James leave before Blue speaks up. ]
Thank you for agreeing to come. It wouldn't be as much fun without you, and I'm pretty sure James would agree with that.
[ Don't get him wrong, he loves being alone with Jim (like really really loves it) but he's really loving this, too. Plus, watching Blue and James interact is just the cutest. ]
[Blue peers over at Finn sidelong, getting that fluttery feeling again. bashfulness, maybe? it's not really the sort of feeling Soldier Blue is apt to having, even when peers teased him.]
It's...a little strange. Because...I think I'm used to there being...something more I can provide others. Protection. Guidance.
Here, though...I'm the one always learning. Being protected. [...] Cared for.
[his hand falls away from his face, settling on the table as he looks down at the snowflake.]
This isn't anything...I've earned, either. Fought for... [deserve? hm.]
[ Finn... really hates that Blue sees the world like this. He gets it, though, mostly. The Order was much the same, that your worth as a person was only as much as you can provide to the Supreme Leader. That you didn't deserve anything, especially if you didn't earn it.
He wished he knew how to get through to Blue about the truth of the matter. As it is, he reaches his hand out again, only lightly brushing against Blue's the same way his mind and emotions do right now. ]
It's not that complicated, really. Not here. You don't have to do anything. We just like you. [ I like you. ] A lot.
[Blue's hand tenses and relaxes in the same beat, his other one settling over top of Finn's to better embrace the feelings behind the gesture.
what Finn says isn't wrong, no mistakes or denials about that. still, there's something to be said about hearing such things aloud - putting something understood quietly out into the physical world. it's heartening, validating.]
I'd be...very lost without the two of you. [it's easy to admit that truth; it's a little late for shame.] How can I not feel...as though I owe so much?
[ Mm. Finn looks away for a moment before taking Blue's hand in his and turning to face him completely. ]
I know what you mean. I really do. I owe a lot of people in that same way. But they don't expect it of me, and we don't expect it of you.
We don't do any of this out of some sort of obligation or because we think we'll get something out of it. We do it because we care about you, because we want to be near you, get to know you, spend time with you. Everything we do is just as much for us, too, when you look at it that way.
But... as for being lost, I'm not sure that's true. You're stronger than you know, Blue. A lot stronger.
[ That's something Finn truly believes and hopefully passes between them. A lot of things try to hold Blue back, but he keeps up and sometimes goes beyond most of the other Orbers. Finn wished he could see that. ]
[the things Finn says about the people here really shouldn't need saying, especially to an empath, right? but empaths can doubt their own senses when their lives are so rigidly sculpted contrary to what's right in front of him. right in front of him is pure kindness born of dire circumstances galaxies away from his own, but he still emanates a familiarity that Blue can't help but be drawn to.
it aches to hear about strength when he can hardly feel any for himself anymore. Blue's eyes wince before they close, and he leans in to gently rest his forehead against Finn's. it's easier to convey his gratitude and affection in this way, and the fluttering feelings kicked up from being around both him and Jim explain themselves easier without him having to try.]
[ Finn shuts his eyes and smiles at the closeness. Granted, he does consider kissing him, but he's not sure how that would blow over with him, if Blue's even ready or wants to be near those types of emotions. So Finn doesn't do it... sort of.
Instead, he draws their minds closer and warps Blue in the warmest, most caring emotions and ideas he can conjure. Anything to make him realize that Finn cares without any small print attached. That he cares deeply and practically unconditionally.
[ Finn's eyes open again in surprise, both because Blue caught that thought and... isn't opposed to it. He isn't sure what to do with this knowledge for an entire microsecond.
Then he smiles, beaming, even if Blue is close enough to just be a big blur like this. His surprise and joy likely seeps through, though. And he does give in, tilts his head and closes the distance between them, gently pressing his lips to Blue's. ]
[a kiss seems to have a great deal of power in of itself, and there's still a great deal of novelty for it in Blue. physical affection like this is new, so Finn, as Jim did before him, gets those fluttery feelings as Blue closes his eyes and leans into the kiss.
what's different here is the two-way street - that Finn can perceive those feelings without Blue having to willfully impress them upon him. it's such a gratifying, comforting thing; Blue isn't physically alone here, and neither is he psionically, either.
...he forgets to breathe for a bit, again, and has to withdraw, looking flushed and starry-eyed.]
[ It hasn't taken long for Jim to get the hot cocoa ready; in good part because he left everything prepared beforehand, counting on preparing them drinks at some point, and also because he hurries so he won't take long to go back.
So maybe he catches the tail end of that kiss, maybe he lingers a few steps back just to give them time to stop on their own, because with a tray carrying three hot cocoas, it's not that easy to just turn around and go back.
It's only when once Blue pulls away that Jim makes his way closer, his smile growing sharper as he does. Have they even noticed his approach, sensed him at all? It's a mystery. Jim hopes not, he'd really love to surprise them when he speaks up, smile wide. ]
[ Finn does catch all of those fluttery feelings wafting off of Blue, making his own echo in return, like a feedback loop of butterflies. It's sweet, though, and Finn can hardly complain about how light it makes him feel.
But because he was so caught up in it, Jim's approach is a surprise, making his head whip over to him when he speaks. Finn feels kind of bad about that for a bunch of reasons ranging from feeling like he was ignoring him (Finn, he was in a whole other room) and noticing how easily he can be so entirely distracted. Have to work on that before another mission starts.
James' big smile and what happiness he can feel from him makes Finn relax and melt. His own smile is practically glowing, especially because Jim's well aware of the little crush he has on Blue. It's a smile that says, "Look! Look! Look! It's happening!" ]
The fun part only just started, right?
[ He glances to Blue, squeezes his hand, and stands, offering to take the tray from Jim to set on the table. ]
Thanks, sweetheart. [ For, like, so many things. ]
[it is a little startling, considering how wrapped up in that moment Blue was, but Jim is no intruder; Finn's own delight in seeing him informs Blue's own to a degree. his eyebrows do lift at that sudden vibe of it's happening he's getting...interesting...
he sits in a bit of quiet wonder about that as Finn gets up to help Jim. it's happening...? something is, that's for certain. Blue brings a couple fingers to his lips, ruminating on that alongside the lingering tingle of that kiss.]
[ Jim can't help it; he lets out a soft chuckle at Finn's palpable excitement, though he says nothing to it out loud. He's fairly sure that Blue will sense it, though, given his connection to them both.
Nevertheless, he lets Finn take the tray, leaning in for a quick peck on his lips, just so he doesn't distract him. ]
Oh, has it now? Here I thought you two were just gonna leave me hanging.
[ He sits next to Blue this time, absolutely shooting him a shameless smile and a wink. ]
I added a bit of whipped cream. Thought you might like a bit more sweetness.
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Hold on, I've got something for that.
[ He produces a bottle of alcohol from somewhere, as well as a few cotton pads. ]
Carefully— shake off the most of it into the tray, or the bin. Then hold your hands out, palms up, for me.
[ Meanwhile Jim soaks the cotton pad in alcohol, and once Blue's gotten the loose bits off his fingers, Jim carefully holds him by a wrist and starts dabbing the glitter off, pressing the pad and rubbing when needed. ]
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maybe it would be feasible, somehow, to forego the undoing of regret simply to give the children a chance to be here, surrounded by kind souls who can teach them things like this.]
...Thank you. [it's murmured quietly in the midst of being tended to, and it's easy enough to see that its gratitude for a bit more than just a bit of cleanup. beneath that humility is a little stirring of remorse - a notion of I wish this had happened sooner that Finn could glean with a bit of extra focus for the moment or two it's there to be gleaned.]
It's kind of you to share this, Jim.
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Until something deep and sad trickles in. His eyes turn to Blue, and he feels that remorse clearly. Sadness and mourning about the past. Finn's... done the same quite a lot over the last year. Hell, he's feeling it now.
He reaches out to gently hold Blue's free hand without even thinking about it, wanting to tell him that this is a good thing, a great thing, that this is all happening now, that it's happening at all. But he doesn't say any of that, not really wanting to acknowledge it unless Blue does first.
His gaze turns to Jim, his smile warm and a little sad. ] It is. Thank you.
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Don't mention it. Just thought it'd be nice to do something together.
[ With the same care and attention, he cleans up the second hand, removing most of the glitter off Blue's fingers. At some point, between the shared touch between him and Blue, and his own connection with Finn, those sadder, quieter feelings reach him, and his smile dims as he slows to a halt, looking up and between the two.
He takes Blue's hand, but this time it's more of a hold that serves no purpose other than offer comfort; and he offers his other hand to Finn, so he'll take it. ]
I'm glad I get to share this with the two of you, too.
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were Blue a more prideful sort, perhaps he'd be quicker to pry free of the attention and care...so maybe that wish to have known them sooner would just shoot him in the foot, given his younger self's dispositions. right now might be exactly the right time, and wondering any differently is just idle thought.
so for now, Blue gently squeezes those hands holding onto his, as if he could impress their importance into his skin, before his grip slacks.
he lightly taps the top of Finn's hand:] You should finish the one you started. I think... [giving Jim a glance.] I'll leave mine as-is.
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So am I...
[ He looks back to Blue and the squeeze of his hand means... so much. Finn can feel that importance. More than that, he understands. Knowing that he means so much to Blue, it kind of makes him want to lean over and press a kiss to his cheek.
But he doesn't. He wants to, though.
Finn takes his hand back from Blue, picks at his newer snowflake as if to give it a closer look. ]
Simple sounds nice. I think I'll just give it a little color.
[ Much better idea than whatever atrocious rainbow he was about to deck it out in. So he goes for the markers again, picking out a blue one. For no reason, of course. ]
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Ah. I like blue, too.
[ He offers ever so innocently, smile equally so. No, they mean absolutely nothing by that, of course. ]
Do you guys want some hot chocolate? I found some in the kitchen earlier today.
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whew...between that and the vibes from Finn, Blue finds himself in a pretty novel circumstance, doesn't he? well, novel for him. it's not hard for the memory of that mistletoe kiss to come to mind...faster than a freight train.
bracing through that fluttery feeling means he misses the timing of that question by a few beats, murmuring under any response Finn might've had.]
That--yes. Per...haps so... [whew!!!]
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Yes, please.
[ And Blue seems to agree, too, sweet as he is. Finn's smile comes back. ]
Would you like any help?
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No, you two stay put. I'll be right back.
[ Just gonna steal a quick smooch from Finn first, then he vanishes into the kitchen. Just try not to spill the glitter all over everything while he's gone, guys. ]
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while rubbing under his bangs:] It was kind of you, too. Finn. For letting me be here.
Thank you.
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Thank you for agreeing to come. It wouldn't be as much fun without you, and I'm pretty sure James would agree with that.
[ Don't get him wrong, he loves being alone with Jim (like really really loves it) but he's really loving this, too. Plus, watching Blue and James interact is just the cutest. ]
We're glad you're here.
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It's...a little strange. Because...I think I'm used to there being...something more I can provide others. Protection. Guidance.
Here, though...I'm the one always learning. Being protected. [...] Cared for.
[his hand falls away from his face, settling on the table as he looks down at the snowflake.]
This isn't anything...I've earned, either. Fought for... [deserve? hm.]
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He wished he knew how to get through to Blue about the truth of the matter. As it is, he reaches his hand out again, only lightly brushing against Blue's the same way his mind and emotions do right now. ]
It's not that complicated, really. Not here. You don't have to do anything. We just like you. [ I like you. ] A lot.
[ But if this is a give and take- Finn smiles. ]
And in return, you like us back.
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what Finn says isn't wrong, no mistakes or denials about that. still, there's something to be said about hearing such things aloud - putting something understood quietly out into the physical world. it's heartening, validating.]
I'd be...very lost without the two of you. [it's easy to admit that truth; it's a little late for shame.] How can I not feel...as though I owe so much?
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I know what you mean. I really do. I owe a lot of people in that same way. But they don't expect it of me, and we don't expect it of you.
We don't do any of this out of some sort of obligation or because we think we'll get something out of it. We do it because we care about you, because we want to be near you, get to know you, spend time with you. Everything we do is just as much for us, too, when you look at it that way.
But... as for being lost, I'm not sure that's true. You're stronger than you know, Blue. A lot stronger.
[ That's something Finn truly believes and hopefully passes between them. A lot of things try to hold Blue back, but he keeps up and sometimes goes beyond most of the other Orbers. Finn wished he could see that. ]
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it aches to hear about strength when he can hardly feel any for himself anymore. Blue's eyes wince before they close, and he leans in to gently rest his forehead against Finn's. it's easier to convey his gratitude and affection in this way, and the fluttering feelings kicked up from being around both him and Jim explain themselves easier without him having to try.]
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Instead, he draws their minds closer and warps Blue in the warmest, most caring emotions and ideas he can conjure. Anything to make him realize that Finn cares without any small print attached. That he cares deeply and practically unconditionally.
He thinks it gets through. ]
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You can. [he opens his eyes.] Kiss me. I'd like that.
[and he'll remember to breathe this time.]
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Then he smiles, beaming, even if Blue is close enough to just be a big blur like this. His surprise and joy likely seeps through, though. And he does give in, tilts his head and closes the distance between them, gently pressing his lips to Blue's. ]
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what's different here is the two-way street - that Finn can perceive those feelings without Blue having to willfully impress them upon him. it's such a gratifying, comforting thing; Blue isn't physically alone here, and neither is he psionically, either.
...he forgets to breathe for a bit, again, and has to withdraw, looking flushed and starry-eyed.]
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So maybe he catches the tail end of that kiss, maybe he lingers a few steps back just to give them time to stop on their own, because with a tray carrying three hot cocoas, it's not that easy to just turn around and go back.
It's only when once Blue pulls away that Jim makes his way closer, his smile growing sharper as he does. Have they even noticed his approach, sensed him at all? It's a mystery. Jim hopes not, he'd really love to surprise them when he speaks up, smile wide. ]
Could have waited for me for the fun part...
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But because he was so caught up in it, Jim's approach is a surprise, making his head whip over to him when he speaks. Finn feels kind of bad about that for a bunch of reasons ranging from feeling like he was ignoring him (Finn, he was in a whole other room) and noticing how easily he can be so entirely distracted. Have to work on that before another mission starts.
James' big smile and what happiness he can feel from him makes Finn relax and melt. His own smile is practically glowing, especially because Jim's well aware of the little crush he has on Blue. It's a smile that says, "Look! Look! Look! It's happening!" ]
The fun part only just started, right?
[ He glances to Blue, squeezes his hand, and stands, offering to take the tray from Jim to set on the table. ]
Thanks, sweetheart. [ For, like, so many things. ]
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he sits in a bit of quiet wonder about that as Finn gets up to help Jim. it's happening...? something is, that's for certain. Blue brings a couple fingers to his lips, ruminating on that alongside the lingering tingle of that kiss.]
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Nevertheless, he lets Finn take the tray, leaning in for a quick peck on his lips, just so he doesn't distract him. ]
Oh, has it now? Here I thought you two were just gonna leave me hanging.
[ He sits next to Blue this time, absolutely shooting him a shameless smile and a wink. ]
I added a bit of whipped cream. Thought you might like a bit more sweetness.
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