Page 138 of Pistols and Plush Toys

Nikolai raised an eyebrow, looking amused. “You say like I’m not having money.” He leaned forward, tapping his finger to his lips, which were still curled into a teasing smile. “I’m big, scary mob boss, yes? I have plenty money.”

Elliot’s cheeks burned, molten heat licking down his spine. “But—”

“No but,” Nikolai said, blue eyes twinkling. “Is gift. I’m supporting local artist.”

Elliot opened his mouth then shut it, at a loss for words. There was a fluttery, swooping feeling in the bottom of his belly. The idea that Nikolai would just buy him this thing was almost too much to take. It was one thing being gifted small stuffed animals in private. Having a huge, expensive, artisan-madestuffed animal purchased for him in public was something else entirely.

“Really?” Elliot breathed, looking up at him. “Are you sure?”

“Very sure,” Nikolai said quietly, still so close.

Close enough to kiss.

Swallowing hard, Elliot made himself look away. “Then—then thank you. I’d love him.”

“Good,” Nikolai said. “Be right back.”

Elliot tried to get his breathing under control as Nikolai slipped away. Nikolai was being so, so kind, but hewassimply a kind, generous person. Nikolai had just dropped nearly a thousand dollars on a necklace for Gerard, hadn’t he? Elliot was just being treated because—because Nikolai liked taking care of people.

“He’s uh, he’s very expensive,” the artisan was telling Nikolai. “I wasn’t kidding. I couldn’t let him go for less than five hundred just because of what the supplies cost.”

“Five hundred, okay,” Nikolai said, before humming thoughtfully. “But he is too large for car. I’m can pay extra for delivery. Eight hundred is okay?”

The woman’s eyes widened, and she looked as shocked as Elliot felt.“Eight?Ah–yes, yeah I could deliver. Uh. Are you local?”

“Yes,” Nikolai said. “Not too far. Near Larksbrook. You know it?”

“Okay,” the woman said slowly. “Okay. Yeah, um. I could do delivery. If you’re sure?”

“Okay, good.” Nikolai offered his card. “When is good for delivery?”

“Oh! Um. I could do tomorrow,” the woman said, quickly pulling her phone out. “Let me just–okay, can you type in your information?” She asked and handed the phone to Nikolai.

Nikolai did so, then handed the phone back. “Someone is home all day,” he said. “Text or call when you will be arriving.”

“Sounds good,” the woman said cheerfully. “Wow, Fezzik is getting a new home. Never thought I’d see the day,” she beamed and then accepted Nikolai’s card to run it.

“Thank you,” Nikolai said when the transaction was done.

“No, thank you!” The woman gushed. “I’ll text you tomorrow for delivery.”

“Sounds good,” Nikolai said, before he wrapped an arm around Elliot’s waist and guided them away from the stall and back into the bustle of the fair.

“Thank you,” Elliot whispered again in awe as they walked on.

Nikolai’s expression was warm and… seemed so very fond. “Is good, to make you happy.”

Elliot’s breath caught.You make me happy.

Oh…

Ohno.

***

Fezzik looked even bigger in Elliot’s room.

Elliot’s bed was a king, but the polar bear still took up a substantial amount of space in it.

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