Chapter Text
Despite having spent Christmas Day with the McCoy’s and an almost indecent time at Leonard’s house during the days after that by the time the 31st of December hits Jim hasn’t actually spent the night with the other yet.
Sure, he’s slept on the couch that one night but that’s about it.
No matter how amazing Christmas Day had been with a fond Leonard, an excited Joanna and proud Eleonore, Jim had to sleep in his own bed afterwards. To have a moment to himself, burrow himself under his blankets and try to get to terms with the idea that in less than two months his life has completely changed.
After that, Jim spends an almost ridiculous amount of time with Leonard and Joanna. Joanna has Christmas break and Leonard managed to bridge Christmas and New Year’s but every time when it comes to Jim sleeping over he finds an excuse to have to go home.
It’s almost as if Jim spending the night in Leonard’s bed will make it real. To wake up in the morning, help Jo get ready for school, fix breakfast, it’s all so domestic that it scares the shit out of Jim.
But tonight is New Year’s Eve and they’ll be celebrating at Leonard’s house. No parties for Jim tonight, not at the bar with Scotty or at the house party Nyota and Spock are organizing. The first time Jim’s not out getting smashed and it’s to spend the night with his boyfriend and boyfriend’s daughter that he met less than two months ago.
It’s moved fast. Too fast, Jim sometimes feels but when he dared say that to Spock, Nyota shouted from the doorway he shouldn’t complain. He finally found the man he’s been looking for so Jim should just get over himself.
And as Nyota usually gives good advice – although he will never admit it – Jim listened.
So he called Leonard, promised to bring the champagne and asked if it was all right if he stayed the night.
Leonard had only uttered a “darlin’,” and nothing else.
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The night turns out to be a lot of fun.
Leonard has some of his friends over and everyone’s brought snacks and drinks. It’s far more civilized than any New Year’s party Jim’s ever been to, sitting around and having a chat while the two children – Joanna and Demora, Hikaru and Ben’s daughter – are playing Mario Kart. But the mood is light and the company interesting – especially Christine and Geoff who after a few drinks are very willing to share embarrassing stories about Leonard.
And when at twelve Jim gets to kiss Leonard, things are pretty much perfect.
After ringing in the new year with a toast, they all bundle up to take the kids outside and light some fireworks.
Watching Leonard fuss over Joanna and her little sparklers, Jim can’t help but smile.
When Geoff comes to stand next to him, he looks at the man.
“I wanted to tell him tonight he’s moving way too fast,” Geoff says, glass of champagne in his hand and his eyes on Leonard and Joanna. “Having you over that much, he has Jo to consider as well, you know? What happens to her when you two don’t work out.”
Jim frowns, bites his tongue to defend himself because wasn’t he worried about moving too fast just a day ago? But hearing someone else say it, one of Leonard’s friends say it, especially now that he’s made up his mind just makes him want to come to his own rescue.
But Geoff isn’t done speaking. Adds: “but then I saw you looking at him as if he hung the stars and well, it looks like things will work out,” as he turns to look at Jim, a kind expression on his face.
Jim blinks, thinking that if this is supposed to be a shovel talk it’s a very nice one. “I mean, you’re not wrong,” he admits and turns to look at Leonard laughing as Joanna draws figures in the air with her sparkler. “But I’ll be damned if I don’t make this work.”
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That night, for the first time, Jim sleeps in Leonard’s bed.
They’re exhausted by the time they fall onto the mattress and at three in the morning with big yawns and tipsy giggles there’s not even the expectation of anything more than a few kisses.
But Jim’s happy to burrow himself in Leonard’s arms. To lay there, to hear and feel the other breathe. “I’m happy I decided to finally stay,” he murmurs softly.
Leonard huffs sleepily and his hand tightens slightly against Jim’s lower back as he presses a soft kiss against Jim’s hair. “Me too.”
Content and happy, it doesn’t take them long to fall asleep after that.