[ 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.
[ Finn is very excited, especially after this new kiss, but the contentment he feels wins out and allows him to sit again. The giant smile that's at the point of hurting his cheeks isn't going anywhere any time soon, though.
He passes out the drinks, setting Jim's in front of him and handing another to Blue, his own forgotten for the time being. ]
[targeted assault: even distracted, Blue caught the wink out of his peripheral just as Jim filled in the empty space beside him, and were the Mu's face not already flushed, it sure would be at that. these two are relentless.
his eyes flick over toward Finn at the question.]
I...yes. [he closes his hands around the mug.] I'm just...getting used to it. The kind of atmosphere you two exude like this. [as if he has nothing to do with it.]
[ Finn's just happy to be here, to be honest, and he isn't sure what to do with all this fluffy energy except make more of it. ]
You do it, too. The atmosphere. [ Because Blue is absolutely the cutest person on this station. (Sorry, Jim, you've been voted sexiest.) ] And pink does look good on you.
[ He's not sorry for the light teasing, though, but he does finally pick up his own mug. ]
[Blue's eyebrows raise, the rest of his expression obscured behind the whip cream-topped mug. him, too? what is he doing besides succumbing to the charms of two charming people??]
...Ah, [a couple dots connect.] that's right. I haven't been teased in...a long time. But I remember now. Please take advantage of it for the duration...until I can meet you at your level.
[ Alas, it looks like he'll have to rescind that title (he doesn't mind as long as he gets to stay the sexiest). But he'd say that first place for cutest is a tie between Blue and Finn. ]
Mm, my. Did you hear that, Finn? [ Jim's eyes crinkle in amusement. Fighting words right there. ]
You know what Blue, I absolutely look forward to when you're the one teasing me. It would be a genuine delight.
[ He's not even kidding, he'd love to be on the receiving end of that kind of attention. ]
[ Finn laughs, feeling like he's being teased by Blue a little bit already. ]
We'll be sure to take full advantage. [ Well, James will, and Finn meets his eyes over Blue's head while he sips at his own drink.
Oh, wow, that's really good. He glances again at Blue to... notice that he's... stopped moving... Finn leans over, dipping down into Blue's line of sight. ]
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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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[ Finn is very excited, especially after this new kiss, but the contentment he feels wins out and allows him to sit again. The giant smile that's at the point of hurting his cheeks isn't going anywhere any time soon, though.
He passes out the drinks, setting Jim's in front of him and handing another to Blue, his own forgotten for the time being. ]
Hey, you okay?
[ Blue's been pretty quiet. It's... adorable. ]
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his eyes flick over toward Finn at the question.]
I...yes. [he closes his hands around the mug.] I'm just...getting used to it. The kind of atmosphere you two exude like this. [as if he has nothing to do with it.]
...It's nice.
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Mm, we exude an atmosphere, do we?
[ He turns to Finn so he can accept his mug with a thanks, lifting it up to blow at the hot drink. ]
You'll get used to it, I'm sure. If not— well, at least pink looks good on you.
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You do it, too. The atmosphere. [ Because Blue is absolutely the cutest person on this station. (Sorry, Jim, you've been voted sexiest.) ] And pink does look good on you.
[ He's not sorry for the light teasing, though, but he does finally pick up his own mug. ]
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...Ah, [a couple dots connect.] that's right. I haven't been teased in...a long time. But I remember now. Please take advantage of it for the duration...until I can meet you at your level.
[sip. freeze. endure sugar.........]
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Mm, my. Did you hear that, Finn? [ Jim's eyes crinkle in amusement. Fighting words right there. ]
You know what Blue, I absolutely look forward to when you're the one teasing me. It would be a genuine delight.
[ He's not even kidding, he'd love to be on the receiving end of that kind of attention. ]
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We'll be sure to take full advantage. [ Well, James will, and Finn meets his eyes over Blue's head while he sips at his own drink.
Oh, wow, that's really good. He glances again at Blue to... notice that he's... stopped moving... Finn leans over, dipping down into Blue's line of sight. ]
You okay?
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after a beat:] Humans here...really enjoy sweets. I've noticed. Perhaps that's part of why...you are all so lively.
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