[Rl - Christmas dinner.]

[p_a_r_a_d_o_x]

[They didn't invite people over all that often but Christmas was a time to spend Christmas is a time to spend with family and friends. In Arthur's case both things were one and the same and he wanted to show that he cared every now and then. All was finally ready.]

Comments

[cravats]

But I do so enjoy traditions.

[He smiles and leans up.]

And I desperately want to kiss you, you look amazing.

[chapter_behind]

[Well, he did dress specifically for the evening. James leans in, brushing his lips very lightly to Randolph's and resting a hand on his cheek.]

Thank you, love.

[cravats]

[Randolph leans up to kiss him more firmly, hands on his chest.]

You're welcome.

[chapter_behind]

[Well. That's awfully intimate, but James isn't going to push Randolph away.]

I'm very glad to see you tonight.

[cravats]

I'm always glad to see you.

[He couldn't resist more kisses. And he's not sorry.]

[chapter_behind]

[James draws Randolph back, away from the doorway, where they have a bit more privacy. They haven't had nearly enough time together recently.]

If I were being truthful, I'd have to admit I feel very much the same.

[He leans in, stealing a quick nuzzle to the tip of Randolph's ear.]

[cravats]

Well lying is a sin, James.

[Which is utter hypocrisy coming out of his mouth. He is only joking.]

[chapter_behind]

[For that, Randolph gets a sharp bite to the tip of his ear. But soon James is nuzzling again, his arms sliding around Randolph for a proper hug.]

I've missed you. Rather considered burning down London entirely, if it might get you away from there for a few days.

[cravats]

[And that bite gets a moan, Randolph shivering in James's arms for a moment before tilting his head to nuzzle back.]

You know I'd be upset if you did that, dearest. Please don't burn anything down for my sake.

[chapter_behind]

[Stop moaning. It makes him want to do things to you that are not at all appropriate for a dinner party, especially when they haven't -- Randolph really is too busy. Much too busy. They both are.

James sighs, pressing his cheek firmly to the other man's and just holding for a long moment.]

I do miss you. [That wasn't a joke.]

[cravats]

[James is the one who bit him! It's not his fault!

But yes, they are both far too busy.]

I'll try to make some time this week. I miss you too.

[He just breathes for a moment, enjoying James's unique scent- it's come to be quite pleasant, rather than odd.]

[chapter_behind]

[Sometime this week. James had hoped, irrationally, that he might have Randolph to himself tonight. But of course they both have responsibilities to see too. He can't be selfish. He forces away the disappointment and contents himself with holding Randolph. Pressing a light kiss to his temple. At least they can steal a few minutes here and there.]

[cravats]

[Well, perhaps he should have asked for that. Randolph would be happy to devolve his responsibilities for the night onto, say, Haverbink, if James asked him to.]

[chapter_behind]

[But James had never been the type to shove his duties off on subordinants, no matter how ridiculously named. And he knows Randolph takes equal pride in his work. He would never even think to ask. ]

I love you.

[notjustathief]

[The corgi has been exploring the house for quite some time now. So many people! So many new smells! So many carpets to roll around in!

He smells more people and trots upstairs, trying to get a better scent. It's not the Arthur-person, but there's definitely someone...

And then he gets a better whiff, a smell of someone who is Definitely Not Good. Naturally, the only thing to do is waddle into room and start growling at the Not Good Person.]

[cravats]

[Randolph turns and eyes the corgi with an eyebrow raised.]

I wasn't aware that Arthur and Eames had any pets.

[He is not at all terrified by the fearsome growls.]

dw ate my comment

[chapter_behind]

[OH HE IS ADORABLE LOOK HOW FIERCE.]

Nor did I. And he seems rather young.

[James breaks away from Randolph and moves toward the assailant, crouching down and holding out a hand.] There now. No need to fuss.

Re: dw ate my comment

[notjustathief]

[The corgi growls again, though he sniffs at James' hand for a moment. Hmm. Not the Not Good Person, but not the Arthur person, either. Which meant the other man was the Not Good Person.

He looks over at Randolph and begins to bark, crouching to the floor while he does.]