text

[driftsintobuffetline]

[ The following content is blocked from A CERTAIN NERD ]


So. It's winter, which means it's the holiday season where you circulate those online shopping "buy me these things" lists, spend too long in retail shopping lines--and realize you honestly don't know what to buy people who you know REALLY well.

I don't say this often, and you probably won't hear it again, but HALP PLS.

Shopping for: Male. Mid-Thirties. NERD. Likes space and math and robots. Dresses like an academic dork (stuffy librarian). Significant enough other that a spending limit does not exist by default. Nor is a gift objectionable due to being "too personal" or "too significant." Does not need a new watch, nor a new winter jacket. Rarely wears ties. Does not wear jewelry.


Alright, and just because: What's the BEST gift you've received?

Comments

[mathemagier]

[Hermann shivers a bit under the tingling sensation. While Boston itself isn't surprising, Newton's plans are. Still, he doesn't really have any objections.. except]

Would we need witnesses there?

[driftsintobuffetline]

Nope. [Yeah, he might've looked it up at one point.]

But I realize this isn't what we've discussed, so if you're not game for it, I'm cool with sticking to the plan.

[mathemagier]

No, it's fine. Boston means something to you, after all.

[And frankly, pushing it back a bit is fine]

But if we don't need witnesses.. We'd just need to decide when we want to go.

[driftsintobuffetline]

[It's fine, he says. It means something to YOU, he says. Newt nudges him.] Hey. It's also where I lived when I first wrote to you, FYI.

But, ok. Our, uh, first date was around the 18th or 19th, right? So we could aim for somewhere around there. [Checking his phone:] The 19th's a Monday, so we could leave on the 18th (barring any weather issues), arrive the 18th or 19th and purchase the license on the 19th, and then by the 22nd, we could pick it up and do our thing. None of that's going to take too long, so in the time in between, we can take Sophie around if she wants to come with--let her skate, play in the snow if there is any, I don't know. Maybe she could bring a friend. I could show you MIT... I don't know.

[mathemagier]

[He leans back in his his chair, hands folded over his laptop]

That almost sounds like a decent plan, Newton.

[It's a good plan actually, but he can't resist teasing him of course]

We can come back in time for Christmas proper if Sophie would like to celebrate it. And it will give her time to decide if she'd like to bring someone along, and make the reservation a bit in advance.

[driftsintobuffetline]

A "decent" plan? And here I was thinking it was a pretty damn romantic plan, because it took into consideration your need FOR a plan and could potentially give us a picturesque little snowy wedding. You're such a difficult man to please, Dr. Gottlieb.

[mathemagier]

[The ring of his formal title brings back pleasant memories, and Hermann considers the merits of setting his laptop aside and pulling Newton into his lap to test that theory]

I still appreciate your efforts.

[driftsintobuffetline]

[Newt wiggled on the arm of the chair]

Hmm mm, sure you do.

[mathemagier]

[Well that answers that.

The laptop goes to the side table, and he reaches out to encourage Newton into his lap. Hermann leans up for a kiss and strokes his fingers through his hair]

Then once we're married, we can celebrate properly without interruption..

[driftsintobuffetline]

[He carefully slides off the armrest and lowers himself onto Hermann's lap. Newt rests his forehead against Hermann's after the kiss.]

We don't seem to have a lot of trouble celebrating even without being married.

[mathemagier]

[It's nice, to have Newton's weight in his lap like this. Heavy, warm, and so close it feels like their own world. He closes his eyes and sighs a bit, content]

Well of course not. [After a year of being together, physical intimacy is easy] But I'm sure we'll enjoy ourselves all the same. ..Hm, perhaps I should repay you for your surprise.

[driftsintobuffetline]

[Newt laughs, arms wrapped over Hermann's shoulders.]

Oh, we're going there, huh? And here I very pointedly avoided making any jokes about sitting in Santa's lap and you go straight to the porn anyway. I see how it is, Dr. Gottlieb. I see.

[mathemagier]

[He huffs amusement, and his fingers trail a slow path from Newton's shoulderblades to his lower back]

You've never made it onto anyone's 'nice list' throughout your entire life. So really, it's only fair isn't it?

[driftsintobuffetline]

[He squirms] Hey, I'm naughty and I still get what I want. Why bother being nice?

[mathemagier]

Hm, that sort of attitude is the reason you're often in so much trouble.

[He pinches Newt's rear for emphasis]

Really you deserve more than a stocking full of charcoal. Perhaps I can find a way to put you to better use.

[driftsintobuffetline]

[Newt makes an indignant noise at the pinch and swats at him, grinning.]

I'd like you to know, Hermann, I have a really awful, like immature, stupid, stocking-stuffer joke in here somewhere. You might want to just preemptively punish me for it.

[mathemagier]

[Hermann raises a brow]

Well then, perhaps we should move this to the bedroom so I can discipline you appropriately.

[driftsintobuffetline]

No. [Just to be contrary.

He unbuttons the Hermann's collar and makes himself more comfortable where he is.]

[mathemagier]

[Well now. This is a bit risky, but he'll play along- for now. Hermann's fingers splay over Newton's backside]

How indecent. You really must be punished..

[driftsintobuffetline]

Oh no. [Newt pursed his lips--partly hiding a smile, partly in an attempt to look coy. Coy didn't last long, though.]

I'd like to see you try.

[mathemagier]

[Hermann pulls him closer, drawing Newton further up his lap and none too gentle about it. His voice drops to a whisper]

I wonder how you'd manage strung up and gagged while I took my time with you.