Felix already understood Jim wanted him to stay; that this would be a more permanent arrangement than either of them had first intended. He never gave much thought to just how much Jim cared: courting a companion for the foreseeable future doesn’t mean one wants them forever. Especially not given their respective circumstances. But at some point tonight they’ve crossed another line. Felix doesn’t know when. Only that this means much more than casual companionship. He wonders if Jim feels it, too.

He doesn’t want to question it. Some things are too fragile to touch before they’re ready.

He sinks onto the pillows with Jim, shifting to get comfortable while he props himself up. The fire’s crackling away beautifully over the strains of unfamiliar yet sweet music, blending the homely with the alien. It feels natural, though.

“Of course not. I’ll try not to distract you,” he promises with a grin.