[ Despite the forward steps they'd taken in their relationship, those quick and sweet kisses still caught Will by surprise. More so than any grand display of passion, not that he was opposed to those, but the sweet ones held their own brand of delight.

He turned his head, giving James another one of those shy but genuine smiles, but where he started to reach, to simply return a friendly touch, he paused and his expression that quickly morphed into concern at the other man's words. ]

It is my lot in life to be around ridiculously stoic individuals.

[ Seriously. Not that he would bring up the similarities beyond that small remark.

Instead, the touch he executed was carefully light, devoid of any risk or suggestion of trying to push or crowd the other man in any way. ]

Sit down and strip down to where you're shot. Let me have a look.