Page 112 of Pistols and Plush Toys

So Nikolai let Sheep drop a few more kisses against the skin. He didn’t like Elliot hurt, but he likedthis.He liked being the person Elliot might show his hurts too. The person Elliot might let touch his stuffed animals.

Nikolai likedElliot.And it was so incredibly heady, to be given such trust.

No—he couldn’t allow himself to think such a thing. Because it didn’tmatter. It didn’t matter what he liked, because Elliot was depending on him right now. For protection, for safety until Vitale was taken care of. Elliot wouldn’t be with Nikolai long term.

All of this was temporary, and Nikolai needed to remember that.

Nikolai cleared his throat and pressed Sheep back into Elliot’s arms and tried not to memorize how adorable Elliot looked like this, bruising aside, sitting on his bed and hugging his stuffed animal, looking up at Nikolai with his big hazel eyes.

“I will get you more cream for your bruising,” Nikolai said gruffly.

“Okay,” Elliot said, setting Sheep down to pull his sweater back on. “Thank you.”

Mentally Nikolai shook his head at himself. Just because he was having feelings didn’t mean he could be unkind to Elliot. Gentler he said, “I’m hoping you’re not bored while I’m in office today. We are having meetings about Lucky Clover. Many boring logistics, take many hours.”

Elliot picked Sheep back up, petting its fur. “Don’t worry,” he said, smiling now. “I’m working on something that’s going to keep me busy the rest of the afternoon.”

“Oh?” Nikolai asked, curious.

“It’s a secret,” Elliot said, holding his finger to his lips. He looked less shy now and more excited, as he did when they talked about food.

Nikolai liked to see it on him.

“Secret I’m knowing later?” Nikolai asked teasingly.

“Yeah,” Elliot said proudly. “So don’t worry about me.”

That was an impossible feat at this point, but Nikolai nodded as he got to his feet. “Then I’m going. See you at dinner.”

“See you at dinner,” Elliot said, waving a little.

Nikolai got to his office just in time for his phone to start buzzing with messages.

Meredith:So… how was the date?

Gerard:Alex thinks there might have been a tail

Meredith:Not what I was asking.

Gerard:you literally just asked how it went?? If there was a tail, I think that it was probably a success.

Meredith:my question was for Nikolai

Gerard:Oh, right. xD Kolya, how was the date?

Nikolai sat down in his chair and rubbed a hand over his face as he read through the messages.

Nikolai:was fine. Elliot is good company.

Meredith:Fine? Can I buy a few more adjectives?

Nikolai rolled his eyes.

Nikolai:fine, good, uneventful.

Gerard:Now who’s not answering the question.

Nikolai:Nothing to say. We go to dinner, we go to movie, we come home.

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