Page 192 of Pistols and Plush Toys

“Wait, wait, I think I remember that one,” Gerard said, frowning in concentration. “Some kind of apple-filled danish thing?”

“Yeah,” Elliot said.

“Fuck yes,”Gerard crowed and disappeared again.

“Is he always this food motivated?” Elliot asked.

Meredith laughed. “Oh, yes. I think with a good meal you could probably convince him to do just about anything. But the inverse is true too. He’s impossible when he’s hungry.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Elliot said.

Gerard came back with a plate filled with two more patties and a handful of fries as well as a pitcher of water from the refrigerator. He refilled everyone’s glasses, nudging Nikolai with a smile before he filled his cup. Elliot didn’t understand what the nudge was for, but he liked the gruff, pleased look Nikolai got as he reached for his fresh water.

Meredith started talking about Lucky Clover’s grand reopening, and Elliot sat back and ate his dinner and enjoyed the conversation happening around him. Enjoyed his new friends and this new life that was taking shape.

After everyone, Elliot included, had cleared their plates, Elliot went back to the kitchen and got dessert.

It was a perfect evening.

Chapter 32: Elliot

Elliot spent the next week after the dinner party floating on cloud nine. He hung out with Xander, texted him and Gerard and Meredith, and did more to plan and prepare to launch his private chef business.

He also spent so much time with Nikolai, cooking for him, eating with him, talking and laughing. It was so comfortable being in his presence. So easy.

There were kisses. So many kisses, and affectionate touches, and endless praise and smiles.

And every night, before they cuddled up to fall asleep together in Nikolai’s bed, there were other touches too. Searing heated ones that were accented by softness, because Nikolai always included either Max or Sheep. It made Elliot squirm that Nikolai continued to do so, but with arousal and pleasure, not embarrassment or shame.

“Elliot?” Nikolai murmured one evening, after they’d finished their episode of Coral Island. Elliot was curled up against Nikolai on the couch in contentment. “I… am having something for you.”

“Have something for me?” Elliot said, tilting up to look at him. “What do you mean?”

“Is maybe gift,” Nikolai said, looking a little uncertain. “But I’m not knowing if… if you would like. Is maybe something you’re not wanting for real.”

“For real?” Elliot parroted, sitting up now. What could Nikolai be so worried about? “If it’s a gift from you I’m sure I’ll like it, but Nikolai… you don’t need to get me anything.”

Nikolai shrugged. “I know. But I like to give you nice thing.”

Elliot’s hand automatically came up to play with his little diamond pendant. He hadn’t taken it off since Nikolai had put it on him a week ago. “You’ve already gotten me many nice things.” He’d gotten Elliot puzzle books, cookware, stuffed toys, his necklace. Never anything extravagant or fancy in a way that made Elliot uncomfortable. Always personalized to Elliot, tohislikes and wants.

Nikolai huffed. “I’m big important guy, you know? Is good for me to spoil my best boyfriend.”

Elliot giggled and leaned in to kiss Nikolai’s cheek. “Okay, I won’t argue. What is it?”

The uncertain look crossed Nikolai’s face. “I have to show you, I think. But is okay if you don’t like it. Or if it is too much, too soon. Or if it… if it makes you uncomfortable, you say to me and I’ll get rid of it—”

Makes him uncomfortable? Elliot couldn’t begin to guess what kind of gift from Nikolai would do that. “I’m sure I’ll love it,” he said, giving Nikolai a smile. “But if I don’t like it, I’ll be honest with you. How’s that?”

“Yes, okay,” Nikolai said, and drew him in for a kiss. “Thank you,” he said when he pulled back. “Let’s go.”

Nikolai took his hand and Elliot let himself be led. Nikolai first did a circuit of the house, making sure the doors were locked and shutting off the lights as they went.

Then Nikolai led him to their bedroom. Nikolai’s big bedroom, that Elliot was now sharing. He still had his own room for keeping his things, and for a place to go that was justhis—Nikolai had insisted, but Elliot now spent his nights and early mornings tangled up with Nikolai in his big bed.

Sitting on said bed was a small box in black wrapping paper, tied in vibrant red silk ribbon.

“If is too much, just say, remember,” Nikolai said again, as they sat down on the bed and he handed Elliot the box.

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