The Necklace

In retrospect the necklace in itself was a simple thing. A silver chain that was light in its weight rested comfortably around his throat and down his collarbones, the silver octopus wrapped carefully around a black tahitian pearl as if it was holding it gently, pulled it down so it rested on his chest.

It wasn’t extravagant or eye-catching which was surprising considering the fact Azul was the one who gave it to him. However its presence on his skin was still something that demanded notice from both those who saw it and even James himself.

It was a simple necklace and yet it’s weight felt like a collar with Azul happily holding the leash.

Personally James was unsure if he was miffed by the possessiveness or not, a small and equally strange part of him almost…touched by thought of being loved to such an extent. Being loved so strongly, so honestly was not something James was used to experiencing so of course he wanted to view it positively. However, the more logical side of his being berated that he shouldn’t even be okay with the idea of it. Being coveted and monopolized shouldn’t be spun in a romantic light, James thought. And yet he wore it with little resistance as Azul’s gaze always followed him when he did.

Like now, for instance.

Fingers gently twisting the pearl between his fingers, Azul's gaze was soft as he seemed to be trying and failing to suppress a smile. It made James crack a smile of his own at his somewhat valiant attempt. “Me wearing this really makes you happy huh?”

“Of course.” Azul says leisurely. “Anyone would be happy to see their lover wearing a gift they brought.”

James simply raised a brow at that as he leaned carefully against the male’s chest. Physical intimacy was still something he was getting used to but James was trying. “Is that so? And here I thought you were being possessive as always.”

His tone was heavily sarcastic as they both knew that was a reason as to why Azul gave him such a thing but Azul played along anyway. “Now James, is it so wrong to want you to have nice things?”

“…of course not. But you always have a hidden motive, Azul.”

“This time, maybe.” Azul mused as his fingers dropped the black tahitian pearl in favor of ghosting along his throat, coming to rest against his fluttering pulse. It took all of James’ willpower to suppress a shiver at his action.

“This serves as a good reminder as to who your partner is after all.”

‘Ah so it was for his own pride.’ James found himself thinking at Azul’s admittance. If he wanted to, James would leave such a comment alone since there wasn’t really any harm in letting Azul bask in his own fantasies for a little while. However James wasn’t one to hold his tongue, especially with Azul.

“You know I’m not something that can be owned? Right Azul? I’m not an object.”

Azul was quiet at this and for a moment James couldn’t help but feel guilty. He was sure he brought it to be nice, however both knew he wasn’t wrong by pointing out Azul’s desire to show ownership. Why else would the twins poke fun at him for wearing it?

Lost in his own thoughts, James paid little heed to Azul arms coming to wrap lightly around his waist and only startled when the male suddenly buried his face in the crook of his neck without a word.

“Wha…are you sulking?”

“…no.” Azul replies after a moment’s pause. “I’m not.”

“It really feels like you are Azul.”

James’ reply was light and joking, or at least he hoped so as both once again found themselves in silence. This was somewhat common with them; one of the two eventually saying something that would break whatever mood they have grown comfortable with and they would quietly go their separate ways once the awkwardness became unbearable. Both were eloquent speakers but when it came to each other they seemed to lose their charisma.

“You know Azul,” James says after the silence grew to be too much. “You don’t need to give me things like this to make a statement. Everyone already knows…”

His voice trailed and he made a face before regaining his nerves.

“…everyone knows that I’m already yours.”

James wasn’t a person that was always honest with how he felt so a declaration like that felt too heavy to say. Azul didn’t stir and James felt an uncomfortable awkwardness for having said something so close to the heart. Frankly it made him want to run and hide.

And James decided that was what he wanted to do at this given moment.

“You…you know I just remembered I had to do something so why don’t we-”

Attempting to pry Azul off, the male sucked in a breath as the hold around his waist got noticeably tighter. It gave him no room to move let alone squirm. ‘I’m not letting you run’ Azul seemed to be saying and James wanted to curse. Damn, Azul was strong when he wanted to.

“H-hey Azul!”

Turning to give him a glare that would make him shrivel up, James was met with an almost hopeful gaze that made him shrink back ever so slightly. “Did you mean that James?”

“Huh?”

“What you said. Did you mean it?”

Oh. Of course Azul would ask for confirmation. He was a very insecure individual after all. Despite himself, James found himself smiling as he nudged his head lightly with his own. “Of course I do. You know I like to think we’re past the point of lying to each other Azul.”

Azul simply stared at him, eyes churning with something he couldn’t particularly place before his world spun and lips suddenly met his own as if on impulse. Azul’s kisses were feather light, one and two, before it settled into something soft and slow as James relaxed before pulling away with a smile.

‘Ah.’ James thought absentmindedly as Azul leaned back in. ‘So that’s how Azul looks when he’s happy.’

Frankly it was a good look for him.