the dinner table is set, and jim makes sure he’s in casual, yet… still stylish clothes. after all, they only get to celebrate their anniversary once a year. of course, regardless of the occasion, he likes to go all out. birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries, sometimes he thinks, to george’s dismay.
still, he is giddy, and seeing george will bring a broad smile to his face. george falconer still gives him butterflies every single time. but seeing that look upon his husband’s features, jim has the right sense to look apologetic, and he’s glad he jumped the gun on making sure to apologize straight out the gate. hands will slide underneath, wrapping around george’s middle as jim will pull him in close, kissing him soundly on the lips.
“ yes, professor. ” is said quite solemnly, at least for jim’s standards, though he won’t be able to completely hide the slight quiver of a grin that wants to form. “ i’ll make it up to you, i promise. scout’s honor. ” he’ll say boldly, pulling george with him now to the dining room where jim has set out their fancy plates and glasses. where he he has put on their song on on the record player, and where he’s perhaps filled about half the room with roses.
“ our favorites from coppa entoca. they sent a very nice bottle of wine just waiting to be opened. don’t stay mad at me…please? ” and here, another kiss, this time on george’s forehead.
THERE’S A sigh on his lips as he’s slowly led by jim from the foyer toward the dining room . not for the first time , the image of jim is likened to one of their puppies in his mind’s eye . how jim manages to make that ENDEARING , george has no idea . but when he sees the spread in front of him , the food , the roses , the music , george’s irritation melts . not that their evening was in particular danger of being ruined by it anyway , but this certainly soothed it even more .
❝ jim . . . ❞ he says quietly , taking it all in . he’s pulled back in from it by the kiss pressed to his forehead . he winds an arm around the other man’s middle and glances over at him . ❝ i won’t stay mad at you . but if you do that to me on our anniversary again , i’m packing the house and taking the dogs . ❞ it would be a more commanding threat if there wasn’t a smile worming its way onto his lips .