Frenchlove and Finn, for maximum cute
This is what happens when Juilliard gets his secret wish, man.
Juilliard shuts his computer, with some amused delight, on Christopher's comment, and stretches. He has been here not three days and is already terribly bored. But Theirn is still here--at that thought he straightens up, wincing at the weight on his feet, and slips them into the slippers that Finn had left.
Theirn's rooms are luckily very close, and he knocks softly on the door, smiling.
Theirn answers the door, running a hand through his hair and smiling when he sees who it is. "Bon soir, Juilliard. Come in, s'il vous plait."
”Bon soir, cher," Juilliard says, and presses a kiss to Theirn's cheek. "Of course I shall." He follows Theirn in through the open door, not quite able to take his eyes off him.
That's the reason he doesn't notice right away that there's someone sleeping on the couch, but when he does he has to stop and blink, because Finn is absolutely adorable when he's sleeping, curled up under one of Theirn's warmer blankets, a bit of hair falling over his face.
Juilliard looks from Finn to Theirn in silent awe. Dear lord, I may have to start believing in a higher power, with such evidence.
Theirn seems totally oblivious to the silent awe as he closes the door quietly and turns back to Juilliard. "Would you like tea or coffee, mon cher?"
"...Tea, I believe," Juilliard says after a minute, surreptitiously pinching the inside skin of his hand to make sure this is not some sort of fabulous dream about to involve copious amounts of chocolate and creative uses for ballet slippers. "Mêlée has rather put me off coffee, for now."
Theirn nods, heading into the kitchen. "Tea it is. Seems to be the beverage of choice this evening."
"You know, mon ange, if it won't disturb your guest," Juilliard says, to the kitchen door, "I have finally been declared ambulatory. And as such I feel there should be celebrations of some sort."
"It's good that you're back on your feet. And if we don't want to disturb Finn, I do have two bedrooms in this place."
“Do you indeed," says Juilliard, softly. "Well, well." He rises to his feet, and leans against the doorpost, watching Theirn put the kettle on. He cannot restrain a little laugh. "How domestic we must look."
Theirn smiles. "Didn't you know, I always look domestic. Comes of offering people tea and making them biscuits."
"You also look beautiful." Juilliard smiles. "Again, a regular occurrence."
Theirn blushes. Also a regular occurrence, at least around Juilliard.
He finishes making the tea and turns back to Juilliard, handing him a cup. "How are you doing? Aside from being declared ambulatory, that is."
"Very well indeed. Better with each second, mon cher, I am in these rooms." Juilliard puts the tea on a nearby shelf, for better use of his hands. "In fact--" He leans in and kisses Theirn, deeply, and when he resurfaces whispers, "better than I have been in years."
Theirn smiles and places his cup on the table, bringing a hand up to cup Juilliard's face and returns the kiss.
There's a confused, sleepy murmur from the couch, and then startled silence.
Juilliard is rather engrossed, and does not notice their observer until Theirn's hand lessens its pressure slightly on the side of his face, at which point he smiles rather widely and attacks Theirn's lips again.
Finn doesn't say anything, although there isn't really anything that he could reasonably say; nothing that he probably wouldn't consider impolite.
Theirn pulls back, blushing. "...ah..."
Without turning or looking away from Theirn, Juilliard says, with a soft laugh, "Hello, Finn."
"Hullo," Finn mumbles. He's staring at his knees; what's visible of his face is bright red.
Theirn clears his throat and steps away from Juilliard, making himself rather busy with the dirty cups in the sink.
Reluctantly, but more amused than he has been in days, Juilliard looks away from Theirn and sinks into a chair, grinning at Finn, who seems to be trying to turn himself into a strawberry. "I'm astounded, frankly, to see you alive again. I felt sure that the unicorns would be the end of it all."
"I've been back from the unicorns for ages," Finn protests, still seemingly too embarrassed to look at him.
"Ah, but I feared you would perish after so kindly donating me your protective fuzzy slipp- Why, Finn, dear, you are turning such a charming shade of magenta. Do watch out, that cannot be good for your blood pressure."
"Ngk," Finn says, and throws a pillow at him.
"Juilliard, cher," Theirn murmurs, "stop teasing him."
Juilliard pouts dramatically, catching the pillow. "You spoil my fun."
Finn stands up. "I ought to get back to my rooms," he says, and there's an odd note in his voice.
"Merde. Look, Finn - je suis desole, I didn't - damn it."
Finn waves him off. "It's perfectly okay, Theirn." He's still faintly red, but he looks lonely now, too.
"I don't want you to feel like you have to go."
“No, wait, Finn," Juilliard says, looking mostly serious, "I do apologise. We promise to behave ourselves."
"It's all right," Finn says. "But I oughtn't to stay and bother you two."
"You're not bothering us." He makes a frustrated sound and goes back to cleaning the cups in the sink, keeping his face expressionless.
Finn shrugs, staring at his hands. "Well, I did interrupt you."
Juilliard sighs and stands, carefully masking the pain in his feet. "Finn, please don't go. I'm an inconsiderate lout, I truly am, and I miss talking to you. I shan't be able to if Mêlée sends you out again."
Finn covers his face with a hand for a moment, then turns to Juilliard. "I'd love to come by and visit you again, Juilliard, but you must prefer what you were doing to talking to me."
Juilliard is momentarily at a loss for words.
Quietly, Theirn says, "I like your company, and I have not had nearly enough of it. On both counts."
Finn looks between the two of them, confused, and collapses back onto the couch.
Juilliard hides a smile behind his hand. "Poor flustered boy," he murmurs, and sinks gratefully back into the chair. "So. Finn. Tell me. How has life post unicorns been going?"
"We brought back Ty?" Finn says uncertainly. "I'm sure I must have mentioned that yesterday."
"You had, yes. And also her excellent taste in men."
"You did, oui,” Theirn echoes. “ We were discussing introducing her to Kai."
"And not introducing either of them to Juilliard," Finn says, shooting Juilliard a reproachful look.
"Now, now, I would never do such a horrible thing as prey on an innocent young girl," protests Juilliard.
"We were more worried about Kai."
“The potential for total brain annihilation, and such. It was rather an alarming concept.” Theirn says, ominously.
"We decided to get Kai a kitten instead,” Finn adds.
"I would treat Kai like the precious flower he undoubtedly is!" Juilliard snorts. "Besides, I'm quite sure the boy would appreciate the guidance of a more experienced agent. A kitten is a poor substitute."
That stops Finn, and he gives Juilliard an uncertain look.
"He's one of my family now," Theirn says quietly. "He'll be all right."
"Kai is?" Finn asks, and settles a little. "Or Juilliard?"
"I rather hope I am not," drawls Juilliard, "or Theirn is more incestuous than I thought."
Finn smacks himself on the forehead.
Theirn laughs, a little. "Kai, of course. I am not one for adopting people I'm attracted to into my little surrogate family."
"That would be very Midwestern of you," Finn murmurs.
"And Theirn is always more sensible than to be American," Juilliard points out, eyes very wide.
“"I don't think inherent Frenchness is got rid of very easily."
"You make it sound like a bad thing..." Theirn says.
"It's not," Finn assures him, with a charming little smile.
"It had better not be, m'sieur amoureux de l'Anglais," Juilliard grumbles.
Theirn raises an eyebrow. "Mr. Lover of the English? Juilliard, your prejudice is showing through again."
Finn's gone red again, but it's more hurt than embarrassment this time.
"Oh, dear, and I thought the detergent had gotten it out," murmurs Juilliard.
Theirn sighs and rubs his temples. "Can you two talk for ten minutes without insulting each other?"
"I don't insult him," Finn says fiercely.
Theirn mutters something rather obscene in French and goes into the kitchen with some empty cups.
Finn glances at Juilliard and away again.
"I didn't intend to insult you," Juilliard protests. "I would never."
"You know it's the same thing," Finn says quietly.
Juilliard laughs, without humour. "Finn, you will not believe me if I tell you that I did not intend to insult him as well, will you."
"Considering how often you do? No." Finn crosses his arms, childishly stubborn.
"I have been a diplomat long enough to realise when not to deliberately antagonise someone I wish to entertain," Juilliard insists. "And have I not confessed Alden's honour and even personability? What more do you require?"
"A cessation of hostility would be nice!" Finn snaps back, a little louder than necessary. He sighs, and rubs his temples. "Sorry, Juilliard. That was uncalled for. I know you try not to insult him around me."
"We have had this conversation," Juilliard says, a little coldly, "and you know that I do not ever intend to hurt you, nor do I make the attempt particularly often to do the same to him."
"I know," Finn whispers, convering his eyes. "I know. I'm sorry, Juilliard."
Theirn chooses that moment to emerge from the kitchen, looking calmer and cradling another cup of tea in his hands.
Juilliard drops the haunted look from his eyes rather quickly and pulls at Theirn's sleeve. "Sit down, mon ange, you need not take care of us all the time."
He sits down, putting the tea on the table and resting his head on Juilliard's shoulder, looking rather tired.
Finn drops his hand from his eyes and catches sight of this. He blinks and looks away, but he's got a little smile on his face, like maybe he thinks they're being rather sweet.
Juilliard brings up a hand and begins absently to stroke Theirn's hair. "I apologise most sincerely for our unhouseguestly childishness," he says, "and I wonder how I can ever make it up to you."
"I'm sorry, too, Theirn," Finn murmurs. "I'll make it up somehow, since I don't think his methods will work for me," -- in a voice tinged with amusement.
He smiles, a little. "No need. I'm just a little tired, that's all. I'm fine."
"Because you look after us madmen," Finn points out.
"A task truly beyond the reach of mortal men, ange." Juilliard smiles, and wants to kiss the top of Theirn's head, but out of respect for Finn's rising blush does not.
"I should go," Finn says quietly. "I really am tired, and you two ought to have some time to yourselves."
Theirn sighs, closing his eyes. "Comme vous souhaitez." [as you wish]
Juilliard pauses with his hand midway towards the nape of Theirn's neck, and grins. "Of course, farmboy."
"I'll visit again," Finn promises, rising, and gives Theirn a wonderful smile that he misses because his eyes are closed. "Thank you for letting me sleep here for a bit, Theirn."
He doesn't mention the empty rooms he's going back to.
"Sommeil bien - sleep well. You're welcome here whenever you need to be here."
"Thank you. Good night, you two," Finn says, and gives them both quite a genuine smile.
Juilliard looks at Finn, silently, and half-smiles. "Sleep well. Please."
Finn nods, and then he's gone, door closing nearly silently behind him.
Theirn sighs and doesn't open his eyes.
Juilliard exhales. "Well, that always seems to go so well."
"Je suis desole, mon cher."
"Sorry? Silly man. Do not be." He presses a kiss to the top of Theirn's head, where the hair begins to spiral outward. "It is not your fault the boy makes me act like a fool."
"Hmm. My fool." It's entirely possible Theirn doesn't realise exactly what he just said.
"Your fool," Juilliard agrees, before blinking and pausing very briefly. "Yes, I rather think so. Utterly a fool for you, at any rate."
He smiles, nuzzling against Juilliard's neck a little. "Mmm. Good."
Juilliard grins and makes a quiet noise of agreement into the top of Theirn's head.
He turns his head and kisses the side of Juilliard's jaw.
Juilliard agrees, again, and turns his head further, softly brushing noses with Theirn, before kissing him.
He makes a soft sound of contentment in the back of his throat and leans into the kiss, sliding one hand up into Juilliard's hair.
"Mon ange," Juilliard whispers, "mine," and pulls Theirn onto the couch.
Juilliard shuts his computer, with some amused delight, on Christopher's comment, and stretches. He has been here not three days and is already terribly bored. But Theirn is still here--at that thought he straightens up, wincing at the weight on his feet, and slips them into the slippers that Finn had left.
Theirn's rooms are luckily very close, and he knocks softly on the door, smiling.
Theirn answers the door, running a hand through his hair and smiling when he sees who it is. "Bon soir, Juilliard. Come in, s'il vous plait."
”Bon soir, cher," Juilliard says, and presses a kiss to Theirn's cheek. "Of course I shall." He follows Theirn in through the open door, not quite able to take his eyes off him.
That's the reason he doesn't notice right away that there's someone sleeping on the couch, but when he does he has to stop and blink, because Finn is absolutely adorable when he's sleeping, curled up under one of Theirn's warmer blankets, a bit of hair falling over his face.
Juilliard looks from Finn to Theirn in silent awe. Dear lord, I may have to start believing in a higher power, with such evidence.
Theirn seems totally oblivious to the silent awe as he closes the door quietly and turns back to Juilliard. "Would you like tea or coffee, mon cher?"
"...Tea, I believe," Juilliard says after a minute, surreptitiously pinching the inside skin of his hand to make sure this is not some sort of fabulous dream about to involve copious amounts of chocolate and creative uses for ballet slippers. "Mêlée has rather put me off coffee, for now."
Theirn nods, heading into the kitchen. "Tea it is. Seems to be the beverage of choice this evening."
"You know, mon ange, if it won't disturb your guest," Juilliard says, to the kitchen door, "I have finally been declared ambulatory. And as such I feel there should be celebrations of some sort."
"It's good that you're back on your feet. And if we don't want to disturb Finn, I do have two bedrooms in this place."
“Do you indeed," says Juilliard, softly. "Well, well." He rises to his feet, and leans against the doorpost, watching Theirn put the kettle on. He cannot restrain a little laugh. "How domestic we must look."
Theirn smiles. "Didn't you know, I always look domestic. Comes of offering people tea and making them biscuits."
"You also look beautiful." Juilliard smiles. "Again, a regular occurrence."
Theirn blushes. Also a regular occurrence, at least around Juilliard.
He finishes making the tea and turns back to Juilliard, handing him a cup. "How are you doing? Aside from being declared ambulatory, that is."
"Very well indeed. Better with each second, mon cher, I am in these rooms." Juilliard puts the tea on a nearby shelf, for better use of his hands. "In fact--" He leans in and kisses Theirn, deeply, and when he resurfaces whispers, "better than I have been in years."
Theirn smiles and places his cup on the table, bringing a hand up to cup Juilliard's face and returns the kiss.
There's a confused, sleepy murmur from the couch, and then startled silence.
Juilliard is rather engrossed, and does not notice their observer until Theirn's hand lessens its pressure slightly on the side of his face, at which point he smiles rather widely and attacks Theirn's lips again.
Finn doesn't say anything, although there isn't really anything that he could reasonably say; nothing that he probably wouldn't consider impolite.
Theirn pulls back, blushing. "...ah..."
Without turning or looking away from Theirn, Juilliard says, with a soft laugh, "Hello, Finn."
"Hullo," Finn mumbles. He's staring at his knees; what's visible of his face is bright red.
Theirn clears his throat and steps away from Juilliard, making himself rather busy with the dirty cups in the sink.
Reluctantly, but more amused than he has been in days, Juilliard looks away from Theirn and sinks into a chair, grinning at Finn, who seems to be trying to turn himself into a strawberry. "I'm astounded, frankly, to see you alive again. I felt sure that the unicorns would be the end of it all."
"I've been back from the unicorns for ages," Finn protests, still seemingly too embarrassed to look at him.
"Ah, but I feared you would perish after so kindly donating me your protective fuzzy slipp- Why, Finn, dear, you are turning such a charming shade of magenta. Do watch out, that cannot be good for your blood pressure."
"Ngk," Finn says, and throws a pillow at him.
"Juilliard, cher," Theirn murmurs, "stop teasing him."
Juilliard pouts dramatically, catching the pillow. "You spoil my fun."
Finn stands up. "I ought to get back to my rooms," he says, and there's an odd note in his voice.
"Merde. Look, Finn - je suis desole, I didn't - damn it."
Finn waves him off. "It's perfectly okay, Theirn." He's still faintly red, but he looks lonely now, too.
"I don't want you to feel like you have to go."
“No, wait, Finn," Juilliard says, looking mostly serious, "I do apologise. We promise to behave ourselves."
"It's all right," Finn says. "But I oughtn't to stay and bother you two."
"You're not bothering us." He makes a frustrated sound and goes back to cleaning the cups in the sink, keeping his face expressionless.
Finn shrugs, staring at his hands. "Well, I did interrupt you."
Juilliard sighs and stands, carefully masking the pain in his feet. "Finn, please don't go. I'm an inconsiderate lout, I truly am, and I miss talking to you. I shan't be able to if Mêlée sends you out again."
Finn covers his face with a hand for a moment, then turns to Juilliard. "I'd love to come by and visit you again, Juilliard, but you must prefer what you were doing to talking to me."
Juilliard is momentarily at a loss for words.
Quietly, Theirn says, "I like your company, and I have not had nearly enough of it. On both counts."
Finn looks between the two of them, confused, and collapses back onto the couch.
Juilliard hides a smile behind his hand. "Poor flustered boy," he murmurs, and sinks gratefully back into the chair. "So. Finn. Tell me. How has life post unicorns been going?"
"We brought back Ty?" Finn says uncertainly. "I'm sure I must have mentioned that yesterday."
"You had, yes. And also her excellent taste in men."
"You did, oui,” Theirn echoes. “ We were discussing introducing her to Kai."
"And not introducing either of them to Juilliard," Finn says, shooting Juilliard a reproachful look.
"Now, now, I would never do such a horrible thing as prey on an innocent young girl," protests Juilliard.
"We were more worried about Kai."
“The potential for total brain annihilation, and such. It was rather an alarming concept.” Theirn says, ominously.
"We decided to get Kai a kitten instead,” Finn adds.
"I would treat Kai like the precious flower he undoubtedly is!" Juilliard snorts. "Besides, I'm quite sure the boy would appreciate the guidance of a more experienced agent. A kitten is a poor substitute."
That stops Finn, and he gives Juilliard an uncertain look.
"He's one of my family now," Theirn says quietly. "He'll be all right."
"Kai is?" Finn asks, and settles a little. "Or Juilliard?"
"I rather hope I am not," drawls Juilliard, "or Theirn is more incestuous than I thought."
Finn smacks himself on the forehead.
Theirn laughs, a little. "Kai, of course. I am not one for adopting people I'm attracted to into my little surrogate family."
"That would be very Midwestern of you," Finn murmurs.
"And Theirn is always more sensible than to be American," Juilliard points out, eyes very wide.
“"I don't think inherent Frenchness is got rid of very easily."
"You make it sound like a bad thing..." Theirn says.
"It's not," Finn assures him, with a charming little smile.
"It had better not be, m'sieur amoureux de l'Anglais," Juilliard grumbles.
Theirn raises an eyebrow. "Mr. Lover of the English? Juilliard, your prejudice is showing through again."
Finn's gone red again, but it's more hurt than embarrassment this time.
"Oh, dear, and I thought the detergent had gotten it out," murmurs Juilliard.
Theirn sighs and rubs his temples. "Can you two talk for ten minutes without insulting each other?"
"I don't insult him," Finn says fiercely.
Theirn mutters something rather obscene in French and goes into the kitchen with some empty cups.
Finn glances at Juilliard and away again.
"I didn't intend to insult you," Juilliard protests. "I would never."
"You know it's the same thing," Finn says quietly.
Juilliard laughs, without humour. "Finn, you will not believe me if I tell you that I did not intend to insult him as well, will you."
"Considering how often you do? No." Finn crosses his arms, childishly stubborn.
"I have been a diplomat long enough to realise when not to deliberately antagonise someone I wish to entertain," Juilliard insists. "And have I not confessed Alden's honour and even personability? What more do you require?"
"A cessation of hostility would be nice!" Finn snaps back, a little louder than necessary. He sighs, and rubs his temples. "Sorry, Juilliard. That was uncalled for. I know you try not to insult him around me."
"We have had this conversation," Juilliard says, a little coldly, "and you know that I do not ever intend to hurt you, nor do I make the attempt particularly often to do the same to him."
"I know," Finn whispers, convering his eyes. "I know. I'm sorry, Juilliard."
Theirn chooses that moment to emerge from the kitchen, looking calmer and cradling another cup of tea in his hands.
Juilliard drops the haunted look from his eyes rather quickly and pulls at Theirn's sleeve. "Sit down, mon ange, you need not take care of us all the time."
He sits down, putting the tea on the table and resting his head on Juilliard's shoulder, looking rather tired.
Finn drops his hand from his eyes and catches sight of this. He blinks and looks away, but he's got a little smile on his face, like maybe he thinks they're being rather sweet.
Juilliard brings up a hand and begins absently to stroke Theirn's hair. "I apologise most sincerely for our unhouseguestly childishness," he says, "and I wonder how I can ever make it up to you."
"I'm sorry, too, Theirn," Finn murmurs. "I'll make it up somehow, since I don't think his methods will work for me," -- in a voice tinged with amusement.
He smiles, a little. "No need. I'm just a little tired, that's all. I'm fine."
"Because you look after us madmen," Finn points out.
"A task truly beyond the reach of mortal men, ange." Juilliard smiles, and wants to kiss the top of Theirn's head, but out of respect for Finn's rising blush does not.
"I should go," Finn says quietly. "I really am tired, and you two ought to have some time to yourselves."
Theirn sighs, closing his eyes. "Comme vous souhaitez." [as you wish]
Juilliard pauses with his hand midway towards the nape of Theirn's neck, and grins. "Of course, farmboy."
"I'll visit again," Finn promises, rising, and gives Theirn a wonderful smile that he misses because his eyes are closed. "Thank you for letting me sleep here for a bit, Theirn."
He doesn't mention the empty rooms he's going back to.
"Sommeil bien - sleep well. You're welcome here whenever you need to be here."
"Thank you. Good night, you two," Finn says, and gives them both quite a genuine smile.
Juilliard looks at Finn, silently, and half-smiles. "Sleep well. Please."
Finn nods, and then he's gone, door closing nearly silently behind him.
Theirn sighs and doesn't open his eyes.
Juilliard exhales. "Well, that always seems to go so well."
"Je suis desole, mon cher."
"Sorry? Silly man. Do not be." He presses a kiss to the top of Theirn's head, where the hair begins to spiral outward. "It is not your fault the boy makes me act like a fool."
"Hmm. My fool." It's entirely possible Theirn doesn't realise exactly what he just said.
"Your fool," Juilliard agrees, before blinking and pausing very briefly. "Yes, I rather think so. Utterly a fool for you, at any rate."
He smiles, nuzzling against Juilliard's neck a little. "Mmm. Good."
Juilliard grins and makes a quiet noise of agreement into the top of Theirn's head.
He turns his head and kisses the side of Juilliard's jaw.
Juilliard agrees, again, and turns his head further, softly brushing noses with Theirn, before kissing him.
He makes a soft sound of contentment in the back of his throat and leans into the kiss, sliding one hand up into Juilliard's hair.
"Mon ange," Juilliard whispers, "mine," and pulls Theirn onto the couch.