bsumone | ❝ You fairies love where love is wise and just ❞

Those words brought the teen's smile back to his face. We will. That meant that James was accepting him and wanting to move forward with this. They'd have to find times to meet in secret but that wasn't a problem with him. Secret dates with the man of his dreams?

Talk about a dream come true.

"I can be careful. For you I can do that." Eli squeezed the hand that he held. "I actually have a day off tomorrow. If your hangover isn't too bad we should go somewhere private and have a date."

And then they could sneak around for as long as needed.

That would be... sweet. They definitely couldn't afford to be affectionate in public, but given his state of mind right now, James couldn't think of where 'somewhere private' might be.

"DO you have something specific in mind?"

"The library. I can book one of the study rooms at the back. They're private and you have to have a key to get in. We can sit in there and read poems together or something."

Hey, he figured it was a great first date given what brought them together in the first place. No one would suspect them both being at the library and no one would see them together.

"I'll sneak in snacks for us."

It was brilliant, actually. If anyone did happen to see them, they could always have some plausible deniability. Call it an impromptu study session or James helping Eli with some extra credit project or college essay.

But it was the part about the snacks that made a quiet laugh bubble up from James' chest.

"Alright," he agreed with a slight nod. "I'm free tomorrow."

Eli was thrilled that the man loved the idea. More so that he laughed. Grinning ear to ear, he leaned forward a bit.

"I have a question for you..."

Happiness definitely suited Eli better. It probably suited everyone better, but it was such a nice change from seeing him sad and dejected.

James slipped his glasses back on and canted his head, curious. "Yes? What is it?"

"Can I call you James? When we're alone like this?"

They were going to be boyfriends so they should be a little more intimate right? Personal? They could save the last name stuff for when they were having to pretend in front of everyone. He didn't want to do that when they were alone and being themselves.

"Of course," he answered without any hesitation. A soft smile upturned the corners of his mouth as he added, "I would like that."

Eli grinned again. This was great. He could call him by his name and they were really dating. This was seriously happening and he couldn't be happier. Grabbing a fry, he held it up to the man's lips.

"Here. Try one, James. They're not bad."

Another laugh. "I know what french fries taste like," he teased. Even still, he leaned forward to take a bite of the offered fry. By now it wasn't hot anymore, but it was still not bad.

"So? They're my fries so that makes them better."

There was absolutely no logic to that at all. And yet it totally made all the difference, obviously. Eli laughed a bit then picked apart his sandwich to get the good stuff inside to eat that instead since he was getting full.

"Hey. I was wondering...have you ever been with a guy before?"

"Oh? Is that how it works?" He smirks, then takes another bite, stealing the fry away from Eli completely.

"Yeah," he answered. "A few, before I was married." He hesitated before asking, remembering that he's not just Eli's teacher anymore and the question wasn't inappropriate. "Have you?"

Edited 2023-01-23 07:23 (UTC)

"Huh. I wouldn't have pegged you for that."

He sucked some ketchup off of his fingers as he looked across at his boyfriend. Which sounded so amazing in his head. "I don't think I'm really interested in anyone except you. I never find myself looking anywhere else."

He's not surprised to hear that. Most people didn't. Not that he, a teacher, went around bragging about the sexual antics of his younger days. His train of thought completely derailed, though, when he watched Eli's lips sucking the ketchup from his fingers. And then it derailed again at the boy's comment.

Who wouldn't be flattered hearing that they're the only person someone's been interested it? And especially at his age. He's not typically the first one students fall for. Not when there are younger teachers to fantasize about. And yet, Eli only wanted him... for whatever reason. That made his heart stutter.

"So.. you've never...?"

"I mean...I've dated other people when I knew I couldn't have you. Three others. But they never lasted more than a week because I'd just compare them to you and would break up with them."

Eli knew that wasn't what the man was asking though. Here he was an exotic dancer who regularly had people wanting to hop into his tiny pants almost every night and yet...

"I've never been with anyone else like what you mean though," he admitted quietly after a moment of chewing on his lower lip.

And there goes that heat churning in his belly again. Please, dick, calm yourself.

But his expression was soft, understanding. "I won't rush you," he promised quietly. "We won't do anything before you're ready."

"...whenever we do could I make a request?"

He didn't want this to sound bad or anything but he knew he had to set the boundary so... "Could you be sober? You're pretty cute drunk but I just really want you to be...all there with me. If that makes sense."

James nodded. "That's not an unreasonable request. I don't usually drink like this," he added. A drink or two on the weekends wasn't unusual, but he'd been a little stressed lately. Which led to tonight. Which... hadn't turned out poorly.

"You have my word."

"Thanks."

The past few days had been really bad but they'd really turned around tonight. He was feeling great. Tired but great. Finishing his food, what he wanted of it anyway, he pushed the rest aside so he could rest his cheek on his hand.

His other hadn't stopped holding James'.

"You're really handsome, by the way."

He ducked his head and paused to take a few more bites of his food. If he didn't finish it, he'd definitely be feeling hungover in a few hours. That was something he needed to avoid since they planned their clandestine first date and he'd like to enjoy getting to know Eli better.

"No one's said that to me in a long time," he mused. He was nice. It made him feel wanted once again.

"You are. Really."

He smiled at him, content to just watch him. After this he'd need to get that ride home so that way he could sleep properly for a few hours but it didn't have to be right away. Getting to spend time alone with his new boyfriend was honestly amazing.

"I can't wait to have our first date."

He was sweet, but James could see that he was tired. He needed some rest and soon. James could use some, too. He made quick work of finishing his plate. When he was done, he glanced over to Eli.

"Why don't you stay with me tonight? You can have my bed, I'll crash on the couch or in Malory's room." There's no hint of suggestion in his voice. Just a simple offer Eli could take or leave without any hurt feelings. "I'll have to get my car in the morning and I can drop you off after." Before they meet up again.

That actually sounded really amazing. For no other reason than he knew he'd be safe. Right now he was so tired that making it to his bed alone would be tricky.

He couldn't stop a yawn that happened. "Sorry. That would be really great. Thanks."

"Can I have my hand back so I can go pay?" He could've just taken it away, but he rather liked this small little affection they could have in the wee hours of the morning at a fucking Denny's. The place was mostly empty so there really wasn't anyone to notice them.

"Oh. Yeah I guess you need that." Letting go of his hand, Eli stretched then got up so that way they could go to the front to pay. Well so James could pay. He was now along for the ride with his bag on his shoulder and looking forward to a bed at the house of his teacher.

And to that date after they slept.

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