#fv4

“Oh,” she says after a long pause. Her cheeks have gone nearly as pink as the pretty sweater she’s wearing tonight. (It hugs her slender curves everywhere Cassian longs to touch her, that sweater. But he can’t let himself think about that right now.) “When Bodhi invited us to his Christmas party I didn’t think he was going to… you know.”

Jyn shrugs, and gestures vaguely around Bodhi’s garishly decorated apartment.

Cassian nods, understanding. “Right. Going the whole nine yards with decorating, or… whatever this is.” He tries to laugh but all that comes out is an odd, strangled noise. “It’s, um. Not really Bodhi’s style, is it?”

“No, it’s not,” she agrees quickly. Even though they both know perfectly well that doing something just like this – throwing a Christmas party chock full of corny decorations, with mistletoe hanging from just about every doorframe – is exactly Bodhi’s style.

When Jyn begins to study her fingernails but neither says anything else or moves away from the mistletoe, Cassian watches her carefully, trying to work out from her expression whether she thinks this unexpected development is a good surprise or a bad surprise. 

Does she… want him to kiss her? She’s kind of been acting like she does, laughing at his stupid jokes and making sure he’s been within arm’s reach most of the night. 

Then again, he’s known her for six months now. They’ve been best friends for the past two. Surely she would have done something by now if she were interested in him like that. Wouldn’t she? Jyn isn’t one to mince words or act shy when there’s something she wants. 

Cassian tries to tune out the rest of the party, the odd look Jyn’s giving him right now – everything around them – as he tries feverishly to make up his mind.

“Well…” he says eventually. He nods, deciding that caution is, in situations like these, usually the best course of action. He chuckles a little, hating how nervous it makes him sound.  .  “I guess now we know Bodhi likes Christmas decorations more than anyone we –” 

Jyn cuts him off by grabbing him, hard, by the lapels of his green collared shirt, and pulling him down into a decisive kiss. It’s awkward and sudden, and not at all graceful, with noses bumping and knees knocking together.  But it doesn’t take long for Cassian to close his eyes, wrap his arms around Jyn, and sink into what he’s been wanting for so long.

Somewhere off in the distance he thinks he can hear Baze and Chirrut cheering. He pays them no mind. 

“Mmm,” Jyn says after a long moment, pulling away. “So. What was it you were saying about Bodhi?” Her words are little puffs of air against his lips, and he laughs breathlessly.

“Nothing,” Cassian says. He smiles sheepishly at her, and rests his forehead against hers. He closes his eyes. “Nothing whatsoever.”