Child of The South

Leo was a simple man at heart - he enjoyed good food, good company, fine bourbon, but he was also a child of the south. His favourite dessert growing up had been peach cobbler and his love of peaches rivalled Jim's love of apples, which Jim found absurdly amusing for some reason that Leo couldn't fathom. When Leo asked him, Jim usually just chuckled and muttered something that sounded suspiciously like 'stereotypes'.

They had finally had chance to visit Leo's old home in Georgia before heading black out into the black on the second five year mission and Leo had demanded that Jim try his Grandmother's famous cobbler – Jim had, of course, loved it. Between that, the humidity, and his chapped lips, Leo hadn't heard much of anything else from Jim. "We've been in space for five years, Bones! I'm not used to the heat anymore." He'd said over and over again in the weeks they'd been there. Leo just rolled his eyes and sipped on his mint julep.

Then one day, towards the end of their stay, Jim entered the bedroom with a smug grin on his face that instantly put Leo on red alert.

"Hey, Bones." Jim greeted, cheerfully. Too cheerfully.

Leo watched him warily, "What're you up to, Jim?"

Jim open his mouth in exaggerated surprise and clutched a hand to his heart, "Bones, I don't know what you mean! A guy can't greet another guy in his bedroom without being accused of false pretences?" The shit eating grin appeared again.

Scoffing, Leo turned back to his bed to finish packing his clothes into his duffle bag. He didn't hear Jim move but felt the tiny hair on the back of his neck stand up as he became aware of Jim's sudden proximity.

"I got you a present…" Jim said, something in his tone that Leo couldn't place.

Reluctantly turning around to face his friend, Leo raised an eyebrow and repeated, "A present."

Jim nodded and took a step closer, "Close your eyes, no peeking."

Frowning, Leo did as he was asked. A beat or two went by and then Leo felt lips pressing against his own, chastely. He didn't have time to form a single thought before Jim pulled away. Blue eyes sparkled mischievously at him once he blinked his own eyes open and managed to focus his gaze on the face in front of his own. Jim watched him expectantly for a moment before a small frown appeared and a look of disappointment clouded his features.

"Jim?" He murmured, quietly.

"Wait, let me try again…" Jim replied, before once again pressing his lips to Leo's, this time with a little more force. Leo's eyes slipped closed as he savoured the soft, warm feel of Jim's lips against his.

"Anything?" Jim queried, after breaking the kiss.

"Jim, what're you-" Leo stopped as he tasted something fruity on his lips. He flicked his tongue out to taste better and stared at Jim in surprise. "Peaches?"

Nodded happily, Jim beamed at him and answered, "I found peach flavoured lip balm while I was in town, I had to buy it." He smirked and added, "And share it."

Leo watched the self satisfied grin for a moment longer and then surged forward, he must've caught Jim by surprised because he staggered back a step which put them in easy reach of the wall, which Leo used to brace himself against, his hands on either side of Jim's broad shoulders. Excitement danced in Jim's eyes and heat raced through Leo's veins as they came together again, this time more passionately. Leo swallowed Jim's breathy laughter and pressed closer until they were pressed chest to chest, toe to toe. They kissed until the need for air became too great, but didn't stray too far – Leo dropped his head to rest on Jim's shoulder and listened to Jim's skull thud against the wall as he dropped his head back.

"Man, you really love peaches." Jim quipped, breathlessly.

Smiling, Leo huffed out a laugh, he did indeed love peaches…but he loved Jim more.

-END-