✿ @scoopskixpotato ✿
[JOE finds himself nodding along out of pure chivalry. He cares infinitely about his partner’s achievements, is so proud he’s fit to burst, but he finds that no amount of amazing work ethic could be a reasonable explanation to measure his exuberance against and so he disregards it. Giddily holding him close, he’s about to invite him inside when Sal has other ideas; tugs him in closer still and kisses him firmly.]
“…mmm…”
[Eyes flutter shut, a hand making its way to one of the man’s wrists as he feels his fists tangle in the material of his shirt. The taste of the other, oh-so familiar as he tilts his head to deepen the exchange, has him releasing a sound of pure relief. He never knows how much he’s missed Vulcano’s kisses until he’s left without them for a while. When he finally pulls away, nudging his nose against his, JOE finally forces himself to do something useful - for taking him on the front steps seems counter-productive - as he bends and collects Sal’s bags, shrugging his shoulders loftily in light refusal when Sal thinks to get them himself. Carrying them is easy, and he doesn’t even CARE as he shifts them into the living room and then turns back to the other man.]
“Fancy a drink? Long journey,”
[–GATTO asks, finding himself grinning with excitement. It feels as if it’s been forever since he’s last seen Sal when it reality it’s been a few weeks - broken down, too, not successive - and wearing him thin. After such a long time with the man, even before their romantic affairs, JOE hates to be without him. He values his space, his own company, likes his own time– but he would happily spend it all with the other Joker, give it away, if it meant he didn’t have to be out of his life in the slightest.]
[It’s a relief to gain such a positive response from his partner. Deep down in the bottom of SAL’s stomach, there’d been an underlying fear that he’d be greeted with rejection when he arrived home, growing since he’d arrived back in the state. No matter how irrational his fear, he’d become fearful that JOE would have grown to detest him for whatever reason within the few weeks of their separation. He supposes he’s always been stupidly anxious like that, never one to become complacent with what he had. He’s not sure whether the trait is a good or bad one.]
[He gratefully accepts the other man’s offer, the mere thought of snuggling down with his fiancé – he still wasn’t quite used to addressing Gatto as such – and enjoying a drink without being rushed off his feet a few moments later. In the few minutes it takes for Joe to prepare said refreshments, Sal takes a moment to note how peaceful the house is. It’s quite and calm and, well, home. He supposes, though, he’d willingly refer to any place as such so long as Joe Gatto were nearby. He proffers the man a warm smile when he returns, and has already made himself comfortable on the couch, one leg pulled up to his body. He nods towards the space next to him, momentarily arching an eyebrow with mocking suggestiveness.]
