Will groaned and rested his muzzle on his palm, his other hand twirling a pen. Jeff glanced over his shoulder at the fox. “What is it?" he asked, turning back to the sink as he washed their plates.

“I'm sick of this already."

Jeff chuckled. “You only started five minutes ago."

“I know. Studying is a bitch."

Jeff's chuckle grew into a laugh. “You're the one who wanted to get an education. Could just do what I did, get some job, pay bills, whatever." He grinned over at the kitchen table again.

“Yeah, well, I got to prove I have brains. You don't. You got the looks." He grinned back at the wolf, who turned his attention back to the dishes.

“You're just sweet-talking me because I'm doing up your dishes."

Will's smile grew wider even though Jeff was no longer looking to see it. “Nope," he said, watching Jeff's long hair fall past his shoulder towards the water. “You're sexy."

Normally, Will would have expected a rejoinder, or at least a compliment in return. Instead, Jeff seemed focused on the dishes, inspecting a fork before placing it into the drying rack.

With a smirk, Will stood silently, his mind conveniently forgetting that he had wanted to take the time after supper to get some studying in. He padded over softly to Jeff and wrapped his arms around the wolf's waist and rested his muzzle against the conveniently placed shoulder. “I'm lucky to have such a devilishly handsome wolf to myself."

At this range, Will couldn't miss the frown that crossed Jeff's muzzle. Will's expression went from flirtatious to concerned in response. “What's the matter, babe?"

Jeff gave the smallest shake of his head as if to clear it. “Nothing. Shouldn't you be studying?" Still, he couldn't wipe the little frown from his face.

“I'm studying something far more important." Will rested more of his weight on Jeff's back and held a bit tighter. “C'mon. It's not like you to get quiet like this."

Jeff huffed with mild amusement. “Some would say it's an improvement."

“Babe." Will's tone was admonishing.

“Just don't like doing dishes is all."

“You're a terrible liar."

“It's not a lie," Jeff said indignantly. “Never really liked house cleaning stuff."

Will nuzzled Jeff's neck.

“You're making this difficult, you know," Jeff said as he put a pot into the water.

“Could say the same about you."

Jeff sighed. He scrubbed in silence while his boyfriend continued holding him. When he finished, he started draining the water. “You need to let go so I can dry."

“No." It was said as a simple statement of fact.

Jeff sighed yet again. His tail drooped and his ears fell flat. “I'm… not."

“Not what?"

“Sexy. Or handsome. Or… whatever."

Will's eyes widened, and his tail and ears mimicked Jeff's. “Why would you say that?"

Jeff snorted softly. “I have eyes." One hand pulled on a lock of hair, and his eyes remained downcast. “I'm not very fit, my hair's often a mess, I'm pudgy." He sighed, a sound Will was beginning to hate. “I know society's standards are bullshit, but I also know, well. I'm no model. No one's stopping on the street to check me out, and no one's wondering what I look like out of my clothes. Or would be impressed if they saw."

Will let out his own huff of air. “Maybe you should go back to school."

Jeff looked a little hurt, and Will regretted his choice of words. “Why?"

“Because, babe, and I say this with love, you are dumb as fuck."

“I'm not--"

Will gently turned Jeff around so they were face to face. He looked into the wolf's blue eyes, but Jeff held his gaze for only a moment before turning to look aside.

“You're beautiful. I can run my fingers through your hair all day. That little grin you get after you make a bad pun or a clever comeback. The way you tilt your head. And I love watching you laugh, even when it's at my expense." Will held Jeff a little tighter. “And I really wonder what you look like under these clothes."

Jeff's ears flushed. He glanced back at Will, who was smiling at him, but this close, he had to look away again quickly. “You should get back to studying."

Will smiled widely. “And remember that conversation on the couch? You're cute when you're embarrassed. I think the two are directly correlated. And right now," he licked Jeff's nose, “you are hella cute."

Jeff pushed Will away, and the fox let go, laughing. He's also cute when he's pouting, thought Will.

“I need to dry these dishes. And you," he pointed a finger threateningly, “need to study."

Will went back to the table, pretending to look at his notes while he watched Jeff put the dishes away. He was glad to the wolf's ears perked up and his tail wagging ever so slightly. Apparently, he stared a little too openly, but his happiness was increased, not dampened, when the towel Jeff threw smacked against his muzzle.