Taking a Step in the Right? Direction [Valentines post for conjuredskies]

[smartass_captain]

Has Felix ever been to Earth before? Jim doesn't know, but a small part of him hopes not lest he be brutally disappointed in the Iowa farmhouse in the middle of nowhere Jim has given him coordinates to. Not that the snow covered fields are bad to look at necessarily, but it's so plain compared to Tamriel and okay--maybe Jim is just agonizing over details here.

He's made sure to brush the fresh snow off of the path leading up to the house, certain amazing siblings have checked to make sure there aren't any unwanted critters lurking about and that the place is tidy and accommodating for guests. Stocking the fridge, giving idiot-proof meal plans for Jim to execute, helping him clean--they really are the best. Hell, this was even Verity's idea. For which Jim is grateful for, seeing as how he'd been completely content to skip over this without so much a second glance.

Then Felix had lit up like a kid at Christmas and Jim knew he had to throw something together. He's done his own shopping and preparing for today and has a fire going in the living room while he paces by the large window facing the yard definitely not checking the clock every thirty seconds to see if it's time yet. If this were a booty call Jim would be so confident right now but he's actively trying to make a romantic evening here and he's so out of his depth there.

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[smartass_captain]

Jim holds out the plate his pizza is on, not saying a word. The eyebrow and grin say 'I told you so' all the same, but that's why Jim made one too, right? So Felix could freely play with his food.

"Don't know if you don't try." Jim quips, chin propped in his free hand while he watches Felix. he's been doing that a lot this evening. Just watching.

"I promise dessert won't be nearly as harrowing."

[conjuredskies]

"Sure you don't want to make it a trade?" Felix teases, gesturing at his pizza. He'll wind up snagging a piece of Jim's anyway, but he's determined to eat as much of his as he can pretend to be edible. Trying something more traditional is just how he gets a baseline. A delicious, delicious baseline.

"What do you have in mind for dessert?" he asks playfully. "You have the look of a man planning something."

[smartass_captain]

"Baked apples with a streusal filling." Jim says around his third or so glass of wine. "Verity insisted on chocolate, but I really don't have that big of a sweet tooth, so I figured I'd share one of my favorite desserts instead. There is chocolate fudge if you decide you don't like it though."

So like every other time, Jim's plan is to get allllll of the things and have his bases covered. Just in case Felix doesn't like any one particular thing.

"But after that I'm more or less out of ideas. Figured I'd just ask you what you wanted to do, if there was any traditional Tamriellic romantic activity we could partake in."

[conjuredskies]

“Hmm.” Felix contemplates that prospect, and the food already before them, with appreciation. “We won’t be moving too fast for a while, that’s quite certain.”

Contemplating what they might do afterwards occupies most of his attention for another couple slices of pizza, which sadly distracts him from passing judgment on at least four flavor combinations. So much knowledge, lost in a heartbeat. “First, of course, I give you your gifts. After that... tradition would say we curl up by the fire together. Talk, tell stories, read poetry if that takes your fancy.” His is a world without movies and, for that matter, without readily portable music.

[smartass_captain]

"I've got the fire going, music queued up, and a blanket big enough for two as well as throw pillows on the floor. We're set there." No flower petals on the floor but that just seemed like a mess and a half to clean up and Jim isn't home often enough to want to spend half a day cleaning for anything less than a particular kind of mess making.

The poetry thing raises an eyebrow.

"I have to make up poetry? That's gonna be...huh. Okay. Challenge accepted."

[conjuredskies]

"Really?" He doesn't hide his surprise at that. But then any occasion that's supposed to call for poetry generally calls for him to get faking. "I don't usually trouble about who composes it..."

It's a relatively narrow selection of potential partners who even care about hearing the stuff, to tell the truth.

[smartass_captain]

"Well, I mean. I've never done it before." Jim admits and gives a shrug. "But if that's important to you and romantic for your world, I'll give it a shot."

Somehow, he doesn't think limericks will count, and even that he'd have to look up off his PADD. This is sure to be very embarrassing for the captain, but he's willing to sit through it for Felix. There's an increasingly short list of the things he won't at least try for the Imperial.

"What kind of poetry?" He's gonna get a fourth glass of wine. Being drunk is sure to help him compose romantic prose. Surely this can only end well.

[conjuredskies]

“It’s certainly romantic, but I can’t claim it’s typical,” Felix points out softly. He’s trying to allow Jim an out without seeming ungrateful, or damping the captain’s determination.

And, well, no-one has done such a thing for him before and it’s hard to ignore the part of him that’s delighted Jim would even try. Which is, of course, the real success in these cases.

“I’m hardly a literary aficionado,” he admits. At least he can try and ease the stakes here. “It’s usually something simple and a little silly. About one part natural metaphors to two parts compliments…” He’s still bemused to be talking about it. "Not that I know what Earth poetry is like, of course."

[smartass_captain]

Note to self. Look up poetry while getting dessert ready. And never, every tell anyone the previous sentence ever happened. He will get down on his knees and worship every inch of Felix's body before admitting to anyone he was about to do research on poetry.

He'd ask what the fuck is wrong with himself but he knows.

Jim's known for some time.

"As long as the bar's low, I think I can handle this." He'll get at least one nice one, and them maybe start waxing poetry complimenting Felix's body in as many ways as he can think of. You know, because it's Jim.

[conjuredskies]

“I have to keep it low,” Felix assures him. “Suppose you return the challenge?” Not that that’s a suggestion. Maybe he ought to be more careful what he says right now. He pauses to look down at the remains of his pizza. He’s polished off most of it – it’s hard to go too far wrong with pizza – but Jim definitely had better judgment. “Although I didn’t take you for a cook either, and I think you’ve beaten me on this.”

He’ll do his best to finish his wine before Jim refills it again, to be a better audience. He's really not sure how he talked Jim Kirk into reciting romantic poetry for him, but that's one hell of an accidental achievement.

Perhaps he'll have to think on this unexpected power he's found. Who knows if Jim wants that happening?

[smartass_captain]

It occurs to Jim as he's clearing the table of their plates that coming out and admitting he's head over heels in love with the conjurer is probably less embarrassing than what he's about to do. But embarrassment Jim can deal with, and he's still not...well. He's afraid to admit the former.

"I really seriously can't cook." He calls back to Felix as Jim disappears into the kitchen to get dessert for them. "Verity did most of this!" He hollers--making a point that Felix doesn't need to come in here for a minute or anything. Jim snatches up the PADD from the counter and closes out of the meal prep instructions Verity has written out bullet point style for him and starts looking up classical poetry.

Wow a lot of this is stuffy and artsy and Jim blanches.

Okay. okay. He can do this. There's a short one that doesn't compare women-flesh to fruit or other weird things. Poem selected, the PADD is tucked into his inner suit pocket and dessert is fetched.

The baked apples were about the only part of this meal Jim actually cooked himself, using an old recipe his grandmother had always made for him when she was still alive. Somehow, sharing a good family memory with Felix feels more intimate than anything else. Lord knows he's seen a sliver of the bad already.

[conjuredskies]

Felix automatically moves to help clear up, but in a moment Jim’s whisked off with the plates to the kitchen and doesn’t seem to want any help.

“But you’re the one who cared to do it,” he answers quietly, half to himself. Unsure of the etiquette when visiting an Earth house, Felix hovers for a minute, trying to peek politely at the kitchen door. Then he accepts what seems to be the hint and occupies himself with examining the room a little more closely while Jim’s busy.

He’s still wondering how to read all this – how he dares to read it. The personal effort, the unexpected intimacy, the willingness to make embarrassing romantic gestures… for that matter, this house may be better-appointed and subtly wealthy in ways he’s never seen before, but he doesn’t get the impression Jim brought him here to be impressed. Or that Jim even knows it’s impressive, he thinks, and realizes he’s smiling again.

No, this really doesn’t feel like Jim showing off, or Jim playing a part to prove he can. It just feels like an honest attempt to show he cares, and that brings Felix back to the possibility he’s managed to avoid looking in the eye up to now...

His thoughtful look has nothing to do with the furnishings by the time Jim comes back, but he’s lightning-quick to flash a smile at the captain and settle back down.

“Just when I think I have no appetite left,” he remarks, sniffing appreciatively. Looks new, smells familiar and delicious. “Another local Earth dish?”

[smartass_captain]

Jim has no idea how impressive this house is to someone from Felix's world. It's laughably old by his world's standards, though enough has been remodeled that it's still a modern home. Replicators and the like.

The smile sends shivers down Jim's spine, and he's grinning back before he can even catch himself. Felix in his world's clothes, in his home. It feels right. Even though he shouldn't. Even though Jim shouldn't be doing this. Getting his hopes up. Getting attached. It brings Felix closer to the truth about Jim and while it terrifies him he can't seem to stop. Not if it makes Felix smile like that, tilt his head to the side and give Jim that wry side eye of appreciation.

"My grandmother's recipe, actually. This I did make, so sorry in advance if it's not as good as everything else. That's why there's backup dessert."

With things its so easy to provide an out, to apologize for his lack of talent or skill by giving Felix something else in return. But when it comes to feelings? Jim can't just give Felix a substitute for his own inadequacy. He's been staring for too long, and covers his embarrassment with a cough and a hand before dropping his gaze and sitting back down.

[conjuredskies]

It’s a recurring paradox to Felix: the contrast between Jim’s brash self-confidence and how careful he is to keep those backup plans. Failsafes. Perhaps it’s the captain’s cunning in him? It’s still a little odd to sense that buried caution: as if Felix were a more demanding partner. As if Jim was the one who needs to prove himself.

It’s as well that Jim looks down, because seeing that reaction only widens the Imperial’s smile.

“Well, I hope your backup will keep for tomorrow.” Look at that hot appley goodness! He lifts his glass in a brief salute (is it full again? Good Sanguine). And perhaps it’s the wine or the mood that emboldens him, but he lets curiosity have the run of his tongue for a moment: “Your grandmother?”

Jim is so rarely inclined to speak of his family. Granted, Felix can’t remember if he’s said anything about relatives who aren’t Stratos, but surely Stratos is plenty for anyone.

[smartass_captain]

Of course Jim has to prove himself. He refills his glass even though he really shouldn't be drinking much more and takes a sip to distract himself from needing to speak again right away. Blue eyes watch intently as Felix helps himself to the dessert.

"My father's side. This was her home until..." A shrug. "Until I came around. After my dad passed we moved in. She was always kind in her own way." Jim wishes he could have spent more time with her. It's not often he finds a fond memory within his own family. "Sam and I always loved seeing her. My older brother. She passed away though, before I was more than twelve."

Which is what had sent him to live with his Aunt on a little colony in the middle of nowhere. Tarsus IV. Jim doesn't dwell on that chronological time too long. Not today. This is for Felix. Everything is for Felix today. Jim's not about to ruin it.

"And anyway, she made the best baked apples. They're kind of my favorite thing, so. I figured..." Another shrug, and another gulp of wine. "I'd share it with you."

[conjuredskies]

Felix’s eyes flick up to him as he takes his first bite, the Imperial listening intently even while he’s savoring the dessert as it deserves. He hasn’t missed the way Jim’s nursing that wine, but it’s pleasing to hear him speak of a good memory. One he’s choosing to share.

“Hmm.” His tasting is thoughtful, Felix apparently distracted by the combination of baked fruit and rich crumbly streusel for a moment. Then he looks back up at Jim. “No cause for alarm, captain. It’s delicious. Try it and see.” Jim may not trust his own skills, but how can he doubt the promise in that smile? No need to look worried when he's done so well.

[smartass_captain]

"As if I'm not. I didn't go through the hassle of making these damn things just to look at 'em." Jim will indeed help himself to one of the apples, pleased by the smell of cinnamon and the way it holds together getting to his plate. Not that structural integrity matters too much when he's about to demolish it.

Truthfully, Jim had been saving room for this. He chuckles around the first bite, smiling too wide to be nervous.

"I knew I'd like it. I was more worried about you." Felix is welcome to take his time with the dessert, but Jim's never been one to dawdle at anything, and eating is no different. Even when he tries to take his time he's done quickly, and so is that glass of wine. It's showing on his face too, that he's had quite a bit of it.

[conjuredskies]

Worried? He might take it as an exaggeration, but the rate Jim’s imbibing that wine certainly backs up his word. He might actually get away with saying what he wants to say… after he takes a minute to think about how to word it, not to discomfort Jim. Not to have Jim make fun of him.

Felix waits until Jim’s mouth is full.

“Thank you,” he says quietly. “For sharing it with me. For inviting me here.” He smiles slightly. “And thank the gods we have apples in Tamriel to lure you back. I wouldn’t dare feed you any of my family’s recipes.”

[smartass_captain]

Jim Kirk never admits to being truly worried about anything but his nerves have given him away at the rate he's been drinking. Still, it's eased the tension in his shoulders to a more relaxed posture, and he chuckles around his dessert at the raised eyebrow Felix gives him.

The gratitude makes Jim's stomach do that little flip again, and he blinks to try and hide the surprise on his face. He also fails. But the joke cuts off any harried reply when Jim snorts.

"Oh come on how bad can it be? I've had Vulcan food." Which isn't necessarily bad. Just rather bland for Jim's taste and also all vegan. His face lights up in a smile though, joke distracting just long enough for his lubricated social skills to do himself a favor here.

"Of course. Tonight's all about you. Romancing you. Feeding you. Impressing you. You just wait until I'm on my knees worshipping every part of you later." Jim shoots Felix a wink and polishes off his dessert. "Every Valentines Day after this one is going to pale in comparison. I'll have spoiled you for life." Not for anyone else. Interesting choice of words.

[conjuredskies]

“Let’s just say that last time we tried to follow one of Aunt Lartia’s recipes, we didn’t have enough Dunmeri alcohol in the house. Which was her house, I might add.” Context is important! Wry jokes aside, his smile at Jim’s surprise is genuine. The dessert he’s lingering over only makes the moment a little sweeter.

Although as Jim speaks, Felix finds himself just looking at the captain with wide eyes and a mouthful of apple. He has to remind himself to swallow; he’s lucky not to choke. Jim’s choice of words isn’t lost on him. He’s just not sure he’s heard right, with the sudden flush heating his face and the buzzing in his ears.

“I, ah-” He needs to clear his throat. “If anyone’s going to ruin me, I think I like your way best.” You heard that list, Felix. Better finish your dessert if you want to get to the rest.

Once he’s thinking straight enough to do that.

[smartass_captain]

The good captain pulls his spoon out of his mouth slowly, grinning like the devil he is. Dinner is officially a success with that look on Felix's face. He's careful not to get so much as a crumb on his nice suit as he moves to gather up the dishes--leaving Felix's of course, as he isn't done.

His earlier jitters have been buried under several glasses of wine, leaving Jim wholly confident that he is going to knock the socks and everything else off of Felix with his evening plans. Jim wanders back into the den to tend to the fire momentarily, as well as to put on a bit of Orion classical instrumentals. Jim figures any species that can ooze romance pheremones has to have good taste in romantic music.

Several pillows are set up on the floor in front of the couch, with a large comforter easily big enough for the both of them within reach. This is romantic right? Okay, sure this is leaning toward seduction but Felix has already proven he likes that sort of thing. Maybe it'll be touching. Who knows. Jim sure doesn't but he's willing to fake it.

[conjuredskies]

Once he has a grip on his thoughts, Felix devours the remains of his apples and streusel eagerly enough – there isn’t a chance he’s wasting any of that. While Jim’s busy he’ll grab his own dish to take out: see if he can navigate the kitchen and retrieve his satchel before he’s missed. He brought wine, too, but he doesn’t think Jim needs any more of that for a while and he- he feels quite flushed and giddy himself. He must have had more than he thought.

But he does want to give Jim his present while he still has the wits to do it right. Jim’s done a thorough job of spoiling him at every opportunity so far, and Felix hasn’t had much chance to return his generosity and thoughtfulness. Jim’s birthday definitely wasn’t one…

Wait, is that music back in the den? What… oh. There must be another gadget involved, unless Jim has another hidden talent (and possibly, another pair of arms). He’s going in to check anyway.

[smartass_captain]

Jim's bent over the back of the couch, fluffing the pillows he's got set up just so while he hums along to the music. Really, he's not trying to look sexy (he wouldn't have one lag stuck out all wonky like if he was). Felix just happened to catch him while he's nitpicking details.

"Everything's all ready for y--yah!" Jim was mid-holler back toward the kitchen when he finally straightened and turned around and startled at Felix being behind him. "Shit man, don't scare a guy like that."

Or maybe do, if the laugh he's got crinkling his eyes at the corners is any indication of how pleased he is that Felix has come back to join him.

[conjuredskies]

Felix leans closer to steady Jim if he looks like overbalancing, but he’s smirking all the while. Jim mightn’t have been trying to pose, but that has its own attraction. As does catching him off-guard, when it makes him laugh like that.

“I didn’t want to interrupt the music. And…” He shrugs a little, offering the cloth-wrapped bundle in his other arm. No wrapping paper in Skyrim, just a nicer cloth. His smirk’s faded a little. “I wanted to catch up to you before- well, we were occupied again.”

He’s acting relaxed as he hands over the bundle, even if his eyes are on Jim’s face and he has a thousand things on the tip of his tongue to say at the first sign of displeasure. The cloth actually seems a little damp.

This is for the purpose of safety, because inside is an ebony statuette: a dragon curled over his perch, with half-spread wings and a polished stare. It’s more stylized than detailed, but to Felix the sculptor was clearly working from sight of a real dragon. The anatomy and proportions are too correct. This stuff’s quite popular in Skyrim right now, but that’s why Felix has added his own touch: a very weak fire enchantment. Just enough to make it give off a little heat and make tiny ripples of flame dance over the ebony. How they’re bright enough to form a visible aura and yet too gentle to burn the fingers is one of the mysteries of magic.

[smartass_captain]

"Mood music. S'more romantic that way." Jim explains, pointing to the speakers. The gift is somewhat of a surprise, as Jim had all but forgotten the parcel Felix had arrived with in his excitement to see the other.

"What's this, the head of my rival?" Jim jokes as he undoes the knot with deft fingers to get at what's inside.

Oh.

Jim inhales sharply, gaze flitting over the statuette wildly. He's not sure where to look first. There's the design itself which is breathtaking. It was so easy to forget these were real creatures in Tamriel, until one saw things like this. Then there's the enchantment, making the figure look all the more eye catching as the flames danced across its surface, yet didn't burn his skin.

"....Wow..." Jim you've got a better vocabulary then that. He's stunned, really. He licks at his bottom lip and has to blink rapidly before he tears his eyes form it and meets Felix's gaze again. "Thank you. This is...amazing."