║ eighty-fourth stanza ║ action

[mumbled_truth]

[You might expect Todd to be hiding inside today, between the nature of the day's curse and how shy he is. He isn't though; he was in at the library in the morning, and he's never been one to call out for curses. It's his fourth holiday season in the City already, so it's not as if he hasn't been through this before.

That doesn't mean he likes it, though. As he makes his way through the snowy streets of the City to the bookstore Neil runs, he does his best to move swiftly, keeping his distance from others and keeping up his pace to avoid being grabbed.

Of course, not even Todd can avoid everyone.]


[ooc: You can also hit him up after he and Neil leave the bookstore - together. Oooh~.]

Comments

[had_not_lived]

[That counter is decidedly in the way. Though, really, if they were to kiss the way Neil would like to-- pressed against one another, heedless of the world around them-- sooner or later some passerby would grow suspicious. And he's not quite that bold.

But he's bold enough not to break the kiss yet, laughing a little as he pulls back just enough to nudge a little closer, stretching over the counter and clutching at the other boy's shirt with his free hand.]

[mumbled_truth]

[It really is, but it's also good to have for the sake of looking a little less eager.

As much "less eager" as they can look with that hand grasping his shirt, especially as Todd's free hand finds its way to Neil's jawline when he nudges back in closer.]

[had_not_lived]

[Less eager is tough to achieve, though he knows he ought to be making more of an effort to restrain himself. Still there's a certain thrill to getting away with it.

But much more of this and he won't be able to stop, so he does manage to pull away. Slowly, inch by inch, with brief laughing kisses between, because he doesn't really want to.

If anyone saw this, their cover would be beyond blown. Even at a respectable distance, he's doing a terrible job of smothering his grin.]

[mumbled_truth]

[And when Todd pulls back on his part a little, finally, he laughs as he does so.]

My, that's a powerful curse.

[had_not_lived]

Unbelievably so.

[It's honestly all he can do not to reach and grab Todd's hand, small contact in lieu of the closer, but there's a certain amount of decorum he'd like to hold on to.]

Busy day?

[not that he's jealous.]

[mumbled_truth]

[His little smirk sticks around for a moment longer, before he shrugs at the question.]

Not that bad. Maybe I'm better at avoiding it by now.

[He's not even asking. Not that he's consciously avoiding it, but he's probably easier given to jealousy.]

[had_not_lived]

Hmn.

[That means something to the effect of good, make up for it with me, but obviously he won't be saying that, now or any time aloud.]

[mumbled_truth]

[Todd just smiles. He's got a pretty good idea of what it means.]

Hmmmmn.

[Mimicking you just a little, Neil.]

Closing up soon?

[had_not_lived]

Not too much longer. It's been a pretty slow day.

[mumbled_truth]

Good.

[ Good that not too many people have been in to kiss Neil, good that Neil is ready to go home soon. Take it either or both ways. ]

Anything I can help with?

[had_not_lived]

[That odd, poorly suppressed smile crosses his face again. He glances at the wide window-- only partially obscured by large stacks of books-- then back at Todd.]

Want to help me neaten up the back room?

[The back room, it is worth noting, is very nearly empty.]

[mumbled_truth]

[Todd quirks an eyebrow, and laughs slightly.]

I guess I could help out.

[had_not_lived]

[He passes Todd the key for the back, and goes to lock the front door. Some risks, after all, are not worth it.]