Page 155 of Pistols and Plush Toys

Nikolai picked up his fork. “I have not seen kuchen in… long time,” he said in wonder. “Very long time.”

He took a bite, making a muffled sound of pleasure.

Elliot took his own, the flavor sweet and creamy.

“Very good,” Nikolai said after a swallow.

“Yeah?” Elliot had another bite.

“This is nicest meal anyone ever makes me,” Nikolai said after another bite.

“I’m—you’re welcome,” Elliot said. “I wanted to make you something. You’ve… you’ve done so much for me, and I can only cook, so—”

“This is nicest gift anyone ever give me,” Nikolai said. “Is more than just cooking. Is… home. Love and happy memories.”

“Oh,” Elliot breathed. That was possibly the best praise Elliot had ever gotten. “I’m… I’m glad.”

“You are…” Nikolai paused, watching him, eyes dark and warm. “You are more than just best chef, Elliot. You are my gift.”

Elliot’s lips parted. “I… thank you,” he whispered.

***

All through clean up, all through that night’s episodes of Checklists, Elliot kept hearing it.You are my gift.Over and over again in his head, in Nikolai’s low, pleased rumble.

He heard it when he eventually got ready for bed and curled up under the covers with the plush toys Nikolai had given him.

You are my gift.

All Elliot could think about was Nikolai’s eyes and his smile, both soft and warm and lovely as he’d said those words.

He wanted Nikolai to touch him. He wanted Nikolai tokisshim. He wanted Nikolai to come to his room and—

There was a knock on his door.

Elliot shivered, but not from fear. Heat was suffusing his body now. He’d made Nikolai happy. Nikolai had called Elliothis gift.And Nikolai was visiting him at night again and maybe…

Maybe Elliot would get what he wanted.

“Come in,” Elliot said, and his voice only shook a little.

Nikolai smiled as he entered, closing the door behind him and walking right up to the bed. There was no hesitation this time as Nikolai took a seat next to where Elliot was curled up under the covers.

Nikolai reached for Sheep and heat bloomed in Elliot’s belly.

“My gift,” Nikolai said again, voice low, as Sheep’s nose touched Elliot’s shoulder through the thin fabric of his sleep shirt. “Giving me so many good things.”

Elliot gasped. He suddenly wished he wasn’t wearing his shirt. He wanted to feel Nikolai touch Sheep over all his bare skin.

“Before you come here, my life was more empty,” Nikolai murmured as Sheep brushed down Elliot’s arm to his hand. Elliot turned it over automatically so the soft fluff of Sheep’s nose could nuzzle against his palm. His heart was beating hard in his chest, and every movement made tingles go up his arm. “I’m have Gerard and Meredith, but is not enough for me. Is not enough to make me happy at home.”

When Sheep made its slow way back up to his shoulder and brushed the sensitive skin of his throat, Elliot couldn’t help the sound he made, the moan that tumbled out.

Nikolai froze, and the touch of a stuffed animal lifted away from his skin.

Elliot’s eyes slammed closed in shame. He couldn’t believe he’d—he hadn’t intended to—

Then, a second later, there was a soft nuzzle against his cheek. Elliot’s eyes flew open.

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