#combining events

He stood on the other side of Billingsworth, also leaning against the bar, holding a drink loosely in his hand. His dark hair so neat and perfect — as if he hadn't just been running sky-diving simulations less than an hour ago. Same with his suit, though he didn't have the buttons on his jacket done up. The slightly more casual take on the formal look suited him just as well, however. Hell, he looked good in everything. His eyes — you could just get lost in the colour — always so focused on whoever he was listening to.

Julius nodded along as Billingsworth spoke, clearly paying much more attention than Radcliff was. Their co-workers voice was a little more than a buzz in his ear.

Radcliff managed to properly tune in at just the right time to hear Billingsworth finish his point and excused himself to speak with someone else. Radcliff waved him bye, wasting no time in closing the gape between him and Julius.

Can't a guy just like to stand beside his best friend?

"So, what you thinking?"

"This thing… it could be quite big," Julius remarked. "Only if all his research panes out to anything 'course."

"'Course."

"Oh — and by the way, —" Julius brought his hand up to Radcliff's shoulder, his other setting the drink behind him on the bar. "— just wanted to thank you again. For putting this whole party together."

"Aah, it's no big deal," Radcliff insisted. "Was a team effort, really. Everyone pitched in, Even that new guy — Lionel or whatever."

"Hey, I know this was your idea," Julius insisted, his finger tapped Radcliff's chest. "It's got your name all over it. Figuratively, obviously. And who else actually knows my favourite colour, eh?"

Radcliff responded with a laugh.

"Well what are partner's for? You deserve a party — and much more — for all you've done here."

Julius matched with a laugh of his own as his arm slid around him.

"That's also been a team effort. Lots of help. Especially from you. You're the best partner I've ever had Radcliff. That I'll ever have — I'm sure of that."

"Hey — if Billingsworth's longevity thing works out you'll have plenty partner's after me no doubt," Radcliff pointed out.

"Well — I actually wanted to talk to you about that…" Julius' voice got more serious suddenly, he stood up a little straighter. Radcliff mimicked him, taking a brief second to set his own drink down.

"What about it?"

"Well, if this thing they're working on does come together, and they do make a way for humans to live longer…" he avoided Radcliff's eyes as he spoke. Hesitating too, almost as if he was nervous.

What could possibly make Agent Julius Johnson nervous?

"Yeah?" Radcliff encouraged him on. Julius took a deep breath, finally meeting his eyes again.

"There's something I'm wondering if you'd do for me. In that case."

"Oh course — anything," Radcliff answered quickly.

"Let me tell you what I'm asking, first."

He didn't need to hear what. The answer'd still be yes. He'd die for Julius if he had too (Julius definitely knew that). But he gave a small nod and let Julius finish his thought.

"… I'd want you to take it too."

"…. Oh?"

"I know, I know, it's a big ask." Julius gave small laugh, Radcliff could feel his hand rub his shoulder slightly as Julius pulled him in closer. "To take on a longer life just to keep working. But I know I wouldn't be half the spy I am today without you. You do so much for me, for every mission-"

Julius continued, practically showering him in praise and affection. The Agent Julius Johnson gave his work — him — compliment after compliment.

"— I mean you're tactical, quick thinking, one of the smartest people I know, always reliable, not to mention stunning in a suit or a dress —"

All of that, and Radcliff was more focused on how pretty he looked in the soft lighting around them. The hastily hung string lights that dangled down from the ceiling seemed to frame him perfectly, as if place with that sole purpose in mind.

God — Just pay attention!

"— what I'm trying to get at here is I don't think I can do what they expect of me without you," Julius concluded eventually, pulling Radcliff back fully into the conversation. "I don't want to do it without you. You're my partner — the only one I want. I'm not asking you to die for me, I'm asking you to live for me."

Radcliff could feel Julius' heart beat — they were so close — going slightly faster than normal. He'd never thought about being one who'd take the formula. Didn't even cross his mind. But a chance to keep working with Julius? Only a fool would throw that away.

"Of course I will. What are partners for?"

Julius smiled widely, pulling his partner into a proper hug.

"You're the best Radcliff, I mean it."

"That's your title, Julius," he remarked. "But I'm more than happy to help."

Julius kept smiling at him. Not the fake, charming smile he used on missions. The one that got him through any door and information from anyone. A genuine smile. Slightly tilted, just as charming.

He started to say something else, but was cut off by their approaching boss.

"Julius, hope you're enjoying yourself," she greeted. "It alright if I just borrow Radcliff from ya for a second?"

"Yeah, it's no problem boss."

Julian's arm slid off from around Radcliff's shoulders, his hand lingering on his arm as the other one picked his drink back up. He took a small sip, before pulling up Radcliff's hand and kissing his knuckles. So soft and sweet, his eyes lingered on Radcliff as he walked away. Radcliff's eyes followed his as long as they could, attempting to process the gesture.

Maybe he'd had a little crush on Julius — that he could admitted — but he did a good job at hiding it. And what were the chances he's feelings were actually reciprocated? No, he couldn't look into it too much. They were partners; partners were close.

As soon as he knew Radcliff was out of earshot, Julius let out a small sigh. He hoped his face wasn't as red as it felt.

He'd picked up on Radcliff's crush — of course he had, he was a spy for the American government — long ago. Relieved the other man felt the same. Since then, he'd thrown him countless of subtle clues towards his own feelings, naturally assuming the other spy would pick up on them. The less they worked, the less subtle they got.

And now, arm draped over him, Julius poured his heart out to Radcliff. A long string of compliments getting more and more personal — hell he called the man stunning! He, in no small way, asked Radcliff to spend the rest of their possibly extended lives together. Dropped any shred of 'subtle' he still clung onto and kissed his hand.