Work Text:
Jerome had struggled to pick out his gift, this morning.
With his Mae's help, he picks out a bracelet with a pastel green 'J' on it.
Something that's subtle for doing this in front of their friend pack on campus.
Getting to campus, Jerome heads for their table for breakfast. He made sure he left before Jinn, wanting to be ready.
He's doing this in front of their friends, but it's also just for the two of them.
So, when Jinn sits down, after Farm but before Van and Mai, Jerome turns to him and whispers, "I have a courting gift to give you today."
"Oh? Um, how big is it?" Jinn's got a grimace on his face as he looks at Jerome.
"Small, subtle," replies Jerome as he gives him a reassuring smile. "I would never do something big unless you approved it first, Jinn. It'd come off as humiliating and on-the-spot rather than sweet and thoughtful."
"You know me a little too well, I think," murmurs Jinn softly as his lips curve into a grin that makes Jerome's heart race. "I can't wait to see it!"
Adorable.
"There's more, at home," Jerome is sheepish when he speaks, unable to help himself because he wants Jinn to know of his indecision. "My alpha was having trouble choosing because he wanted to give you all the options we'd decided on for the first gift. So, if you want those to, you can come with me to the house after classes."
"I'd like to see Auntie too, so sure, why not?" murmurs Jinn with a half-smirk as Van and Mai plop on the table next to Farm.
"So, why did we have to meet before classes like this?" Van asks in a whine as he tips his head forward to stare at Jerome.
"Yeah, what's up with this?" Mai's huffing as he looks between Jerome and Jinn.
"Well, since they're here, I guess it's time, huh?" Jerome gives a hesitant smile, nervous as he reaches into his bag to pull out the sleek box that holds the bracelet. "Beta Jinn, please accept my first courting gift."
Jinn takes it silently, their friends gasping in their surprise, and Jerome would be laughing about their reactions if his heart wasn't threatening to beat out of his chest. He watches Jinn carefully flip the lid up, watching his eyes widen before softening around the edges as his lips curved into a quiet smile that he doesn't share often.
Secret.
Adorable.
Jerome's.
"I accept your first courting gift, Alpha Jerome, and I'd like to ask you to put it on me," Jinn lifts his head, their eyes meeting, and he knows exactly what he's doing with his request.
Scenting.
It would be unintentional, but it would happen.
Jerome doesn't argue though, humming before scooting just a bit closer to carefully lift the bracelet from its box and slide it onto the wrist Jinn holds out.
It fits perfectly, and the scenting is nice.