Oh So Sweet

If James was sure of one thing in life, it was the fact that Azul always did just a little too much.

Whether it be a form of affection, to a sly scheme, to even softening up others with well timed words Azul always made sure to go beyond the expectations he set for himself. James truly wasn’t sure if it was simply due to the fact that he was somewhat of a perfectionist or seeked validation but it wasn’t something that was a problem per say, so James never thought hard on it. It was simply one of his many quirks and if James tunnel visioned hard enough he could even find it cute.

So James was painfully unsurprised when Azul handed him a comically large turtle plush with a smile that was mainly given to those looking to make a deal with him. Charming and placid, yet actually holding at least some sincerity. “What’s this?”

“A turtle plush James.” Azul replies in a tone that definitely would have irked him if he didn’t sound so proud of himself. “To go along with the chocolates since you’re fond of them.”

Azul glanced at him then, with an expectant gaze and nerves keeping his smile from shaking. Ah, he was nervous. He was always nervous when it came to showing James the depth of his affections for him. If James was a bit more eloquent he would be able to soothe his worries, after all they were dating and they’ve already came such a long way in terms of their relationship, however James was not such a person and could only shallow his embarrassment at Azul’s earnest desire for his approval and reply in a short manner.

“I like it.” As if to emphasize his point, he tightened his hold on the plush, monetarily distracted by the softness and briefly wondering how much Azul spent for it, before giving a smile. “I do. Really. Thank you Azul.”

His words seemed to be enough for Azul’s smile was almost blinding and James fought the urge to look away. Shoulders sagging in relief, his tone was almost haughty as he speaks, easily playing off his earlier nervousness as something never happened. “Of course you do! I know you best after all, don’t I James?”

“Yes, yes you do.” James replied with a laugh as holds out his own gift for Azul; chocolates held in a carefully made box that was meant to resemble a musical box. He couldn’t help but feel a little prideful at the way Azul eyed it with thinly concealed awe. Making the chocolates was meticulous work after all. “Here’s my gift for you. It’s not much but I think you’ll like it.”

Taking the gift with an exceedingly amount of care, Azul opened it and his eyes widened ever so slightly. “They’re shaped like musical notes…”

“Mn. I thought you would like them. And they’re non-fattening chocolate too since you’re so strict with your diet.” Because the mood was good, James decided to tease. Just a bit. “After all, don't I know you best?”

And because the mood was good, Azul simply gave him a smile that was soft around the edges. It was so unlike the ones he usually gave that it made James feel somewhat…bashful. It was too rare, too intimate. “Of course you do.”

James realized three terribly important things suddenly.

Azul was really handsome when he truly smiled. He was also very much in love with him.

And James, despite everything, was very much in love with him too.

He found himself silently laughing at his admittance as Azul took a hold of his free hand and ushered him along, babbling about having something else planned besides mere chocolates and a plush toy. And after all, why wouldn’t he? Azul was simply the type of person to do a little too much in regard to things. Especially when it came to someone he was particularly fond of.

And quite frankly, James kinda liked that about him. Just a little bit.