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 Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2020 8:04 pm
Holden was properly bundled up in a heavy winter jacket, the patches that he’d added to the sleeves half embroidered and half sequined birds. He was pleased with the results and couldn’t wait to show off to Jace. Plus, he’d found this adorable little shop and people seemed really impressed with what they had. It had the most adorable vintage cafe look, and just peering into the windows it was so elegant, like a forest somehow! He could only dream of such commitment to a theme for more shops. Maybe they could snap a few photos of his coat because they’d fit in so well with the woodsy theme. He hummed, lost in the thoughts of glamor shots for his Social media, plus delicious drinks AND Jace. Oh, it was so good to be back.
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Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2020 8:13 pm
"I thought that was you," Jace said, from only a few feet behind Holden. "I don't know when I started thinking anyone wearing birds must be you, but. You do make it easy, don't you?" He crossed the distance between them, peering down at the sleeves.
Jace was sour in the cold, more so than usual; he was wearing a deep purple and black, trying to soak up all the heat the winter sun could give him. It wasn't much, and his nose and cheeks and ears were red from the chill, even with his gloved hands shoved deep in his winter jacket, and the scarf wrapped snuggly around his neck.
He glanced at the shop Holden was standing in front of, and hoped that it was warmer inside than it looked, but he wasn't going to question Holden's decision.
"They look nice. How long did it take you to do those?"
He rocked on his heels, trying to summon some warmth; he was still stiff from stooping over his computer for so long to study. He might still be there, if Holden hadn't invited him out; the last he could do now was compliment the exquisite craftsmanship of his sleeves.
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Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2020 8:26 pm
“Oof….dodon't ask.” Holden laughed. “I may have over taxed my embroidery set up, but I’ll try selling a few pieces so I can get it upgraded.” He clapped his hands together and then reached up to cup his hands over Jace’s red ears. “Ah… I should make you a pair of ear muffs!” He fussed. “Come on, let’s go inside! It’ll be warmer And pretty, you’ll look like a pretty bird yourself! All Royal and handsome!” He beamed and turned towards the door with a last gentle tug on the scarf wrapped around Jace’s neck. “The reviews on this place are amazing, everyone seems so impressed! I wish it didn’t seem to be a pop-up shop, It’s so -pretty- I want it to stay! Or at least I want more people to be so committed to their theme! Look at it!”
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Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2020 8:34 pm
For the first time in a long time, Jace didn't mind the cold--if only because it saved him from having to come up with some excuse for why the blood was rushing to his cheeks. Holden's hands felt too nice on his cold ears and then with the little tug of the scarf. He hastened to keep up but could resist the grumble that followed.
"You know, sometimes I think you just start throwing out all the nice words you can think of to butter me up." Pretty and royal and handsome. Please.
He squinted at the décor. "Wait. Did you bring me here to try the drinks or because you want a photoshoot?"
Holden didn't even need to ask, Jace could imagine it already.
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Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2020 8:39 pm
“I do not! You are handsome, purple is a color associated with royalty and you’re pretty too! It’s perfectly possible to do both!” Holden said and stuck out his tongue with a smile. “So deal with it…and…if I said the answer was ‘yes’ in regards to drinks and decor… would you be upset?” He grinned and then made Bambi eyes. “I hope not, because I could use someone who’s good at photos to help me take a picture if they let us? I’ll buy the drinks AND the snacks, and after we’re done here we can go for a little walk before you fold up over your computer again! I hope you know, Brother want’s to get you one of those posture things that beeps at you till you sit up straight. He’s threatened me with one too when I sew, so we mayyyy both be at risk.” He tapped his chin. “Then again your mother might attach one to Xander’s ear, he can’t even sit straight, honestly.” he laughed at the thought, Xander did have after all, a tendency to sprawl when he could.
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Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2020 5:27 am
"...You talk to your brother about how I sit at the computer?" he asked, squinting at Holden. It was not the weirdest conversation topic he could imagine Holden randomly bringing up to his brother, though. "The last thing I need is something else nagging me."
He rubbed his hands together, trying to warm them up but then pulled open the door for Holden. The rush of warmth was almost enough to make him smile, but that would have been too easy, so he just placed a hand on Holden's back to gently guide him in.
"If you want pictures, I'll take pictures. And depending on if the sun comes out or not, I might go with a walk with you." He would, though, if Holden asked, because he couldn't stand those Bambi eyes and Holden knew it.
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Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2020 8:40 am
“Well… to be fair you sort of talk to him about it too, body language,” Holden said and poked Jace in the ribs. “Sometimes when you stretch out, you look like him after a fight! Besides, it wouldn’t be HIM nagging you, it’d be that awful collar clip thing. Collar clip solidarity if he tries to make me wear one too!” He let himself be guided in and practically glowed not only at the warmth but at the beautiful decor before glancing back and adding. “YAYYYY Walk!!” Because he knew VERY well it was a foregone conclusion. “You need one, it will be amazing! We’ll try and find somewhere that everyone hasn’t made the snow all mushy brown ew too!”
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Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2020 9:13 am
"What? My body isn't saying anything to your brother," he grumbled, and rubbed at where Holden had poked him. He stood a little taller though, just to make sure he didn't look as deflated as he felt. His back hurt, and he only rubbed it while Holden wasn't looking.
"If you want fresh snow, the park I passed on the way here had a lot of it. Why, do you want a photo shoot there, too?"
It was nice inside, and though the warmth was pleasing, he knew it wouldn't be long before he was getting overheated in all his layers. He couldn't wait to get a seat and get his coat off, even if only for a moment. "--You don't have to pay for me, by the way." He had a card out already. "You should save your money for your craft supplies. I'll pay for this. But it's not your Christmas Present, so don't think I got stingy."
He had the luxury of coming from money, even if he had to work for it. His father was keen to pay him off in lieu of any fatherly affection or guidance, and Jace was determined to spend it on a good cause. Like making Holden smile.
And, also, maybe because he was seriously doubting the crocheted scarf he made was in any way a reasonable present, because he deserved so much more, and Jace had Holden's finished even before he'd finished Q's and Xander's, and now was the awkward stage where he had to figure out how to give them their presents while also assuring that he'd put a lot of time and effort into them while also not admitting that he'd made them.
Christmas was hard.
Showing affection was hard.
Maybe he sort of understood why his dad just gave him money instead.
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Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2020 9:42 am
“I heard that!” Scolded Holden through a smile, the sound of fingers against cloth even with the press of people all wanting to try this delightful little shop. “Hey! I know I don’t have to pay but sometimes I like to! And anyhow as long as the gift is from you I’ll cherish it!” He promised. He leaned in and bumped Jace’s arm with his shoulder. “I would love a photoshoot in the park. I wish it were easier for us both to be in it. Maybe one day, then I can say I work with a famous lawyer for my photos! See if anyone tries to steal my designs -then-“ He rubbed his hands together and flashed a smile up at Jace again. “Sorry” He added and made a heart with his hands. “I Promise I love you for more than that!” … He paused and then blushed and spun back towards the counter. “It’s so warm in here, I might try one of their cold drinks, do you want to split a desert or each try something different?”
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Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2020 10:13 am
When Jace was truly surprised, and not just exasperated, he found it difficult to make any response at all. Anything involving genuine affection and not just teasing still seemed to surprise him. He was glad Holden had turned away, and glad that his face was still red from the cold, because he could feel his face heat up all over.
Holden wore his emotions on his sleeves, everyone knew that. It probably didn't mean anything different than when he said it to his brother, or Q, or anyone else in his life. Which was good! Probably! Jace had no idea what he wanted. Or felt. Or needed. Or thought. Or. What?
"Yes," he said, because he couldn't exactly even remember what Holden had just said, and whatever it was, it was probably best to just agree.
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Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2020 10:58 am
Holden’s face was red too, it might have been the cold… But he was also rocking a bit on his heels, back and forth, and being very pointedly ‘distracted’ by the shop. “Yeesss to…which?” He asked carefully after a moment. “Picking a desert each or splitting one?” He gave a hasty glance back over his shoulder before turning back towards the cases. Do you want one of their cold drinks too? I sort of want to try the frozen Chai.”
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Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2020 11:06 am
What? It had been a multiple choice question?
"To whichever you prefer. If you're paying, I'm not picky," he said, and figured that was a good enough save. "--We could share. Unless you're hungry. But I'll get a drink. Will you let me try yours, and you can try mine? The coffee smells so good in here."
...And Jace could definitely use nine or ten shots of espresso to get him through the rest of today.
He cleared his throat and rolled his shoulders, forcing himself to relax and stay standing up straight. "You can surprise me? I want to go save that seat in the corner. It'll have a good background for your pictures," he said, because that was the perfect excuse to leave for a minute and untie his tongue and compose himself--and how could Holden refuse the perfect backdrop? This place could get busy any second and he could lose his shot.
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Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2020 11:53 am
Holden made a small amused sound. “I will grab you a coffee then, want to trust me on flavor and add-ins?” He turned back again, blinking up with a smile, cheeks still warm. “The corner seat looks wonderful, please do save it!” He added it was so thoughtful, and it would give him a chance to pretend he hadn’t just dropped that like nothing. Lord he just didn’t know how Jace put up with him sometimes. He waited then in turn for the counter and ordered Jace a cold brew with Sweet cream, an extra shot of espresso, and three splashes of the vanilla syrup, and for himself, he ordered a frozen chai with whipped cream - the deserts were a cinnamon roll, because you honestly just had to judge a place on its cinnamon rolls, and a rather decadent looking slice of chocolate cake. Mostly…because it had a little bird on top, and he wanted to see if it was chocolate or a candy melt. But also chocolate cake, that was reason enough. He gave Jace an extra moment so that he could wait for their order, and then carefully brought it to their table, balancing it on a tray with actually -nice- silverware which was a delight, and the classic white china plates.
“Special Delivery!” He said and slid Jace’s drink to him first before setting his own down, and then arranged the deserts between them, one warm cinnamon roll, one lightly chilled slice of cake. “I’ll put the tray back and then I’ll sit!” He offered.
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Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2020 6:24 pm
Of course Jace trusted Holden on flavor, it was Xander that he had to be suspicious of 'surprise me'. It was easy for him to move tot he corner seat, and he was relieved for the extra minute to compose himself. He removed the heavy coat and hung it on the back of his chair, rubbing his hands together and breathing hot air into them. He wasn't wearing anything particularly exciting beneath his jacket--a well-fitting purple shirt, and a black sweater atop of that.
When Holden approached, he had already settled himself in, but was quick to wave his hand dismissively at the suggestion. "Just leave the tray here, we can drop it on our way out. Unless it 'messes with the aesthetic'..."
Or whatever was important; he knew Holden's brother posted pictures of food online all the time--at least with the excuse that he had made it, or was sharing a recipe, or health or workout tips--but maybe just taking pictures of food ran in the family.
"...Just tell me whatever you want. But. you can sit down, too. If you leave, I don't know if I'll be able to resist tasting things while your back is turned."
He could, if he had to. He had good self restraint, generally, and more than that he didn't even particularly care for sweets most of the time.
But that coffee smelled so good...
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Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2020 7:17 pm
“Oh! Well we can’t have that! I’ll sit and tuck the tray!” He pulled up his seat and tucked the tray to one side before lifting a fork and offering it to Jace. “It’s probably ironic with the weather, but your coffee is cold brew! I’ve heard it’s stronger that way, sweet cream and a little flavor! Oh and... of course, a shot of espresso. We can’t have you in withdrawal.” He teased. “And since you’re SO sweet I’ll even split the heart of the cinnamon roll with you.” He then used his fork to start cutting around the edge of it in his normal method of nibbling outside in and offered the first fork full, even with two forks.
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