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

"...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.

Before they left the table, James laid some cash on it for their server, then they headed up to the front. Once the bill was paid, James waited near the door to call for a car. Even though he didn't spend a lot of money at the strip club, this evening was definitely costing him more than he expected. Drinks, ride shares, breakfast. All worth it, though.

Once again, they found themselves in the back seat of some random car. This time, James reached over for Eli's hand and, if allowed, he held it the entire ride to his house. Even from outside it was obviously a modest house. The entry deposited them into a small foyer with a coat closet to the left and the living room immediately to their right.

"I'd give a tour but you look really tired." James was tired, too. It was way past his usual bedtime. So, he led Eli to his study and made quick work of pulling the sofa bed open. It was already made up, evidence that someone slept there regularly. Though the bedding was a bit of a mess from being folded in and James made a small effort at smoothing it out... only to pull the blankets back so Eli could get in.

"There you go."

Eli was happy to hold the offered hand and even to rest his head on the man's shoulder. Honestly it was amazing he didn't fall asleep in the car but somehow he made it to the house where he blinked sleepily as he looked around.

"Do you have anything I can use to take my make up off?"

Better than sleeping in it anyway. If he could get as much of it off as possible then that would be better.

"Uh, check the bathroom. Malory probably has something in there." He gestured to the adjoined door across the room. The true downfall of the house was that there was only one bathroom that he shared with his teenage daughter... when she was there. He never bothered moving her things so she didn't feel like she was just an occasional visitor.

"Thanks."

Going into the bathroom, he searched around until he found some makeup wipes. With those he was able to clean his face off with plans to properly wash his face before the library. For now he came back out and dropped his jacket off and kicked his shoes to the side.

"Where are you sleeping?" he asked after a moment.

"Living room couch," he states matter-of-factly. See? He thought this out. Worst case, he could crash in his daughter's room but he's pretty sure he reeked of booze and he didn't want that scent clinging to her sheets.

"Sleep here. It's more comfortable. We don't have to do anything."

Eli crawled into the bed in his tank top and sweatpants the patted the other side of the bed. He gave a smile before laying down on his side. Sleeping on the couch wasn't fair. Better they both be comfortable.

"Change then come here. No couch for you."

The proper thing to do would be object. Being in the same bed with the person he's been fantasizing about seemed like a very bad, no good idea. On the other hand, they were both so tired, what could possibly happen?

So he didn't make a decision immediately. Instead, he gathered up some pajamas from the small dresser next to the desk and made his way to the bathroom to brush his teeth and change. He wouldn't be surprised if Eli was already dozing by the time he returned.

Eli was already dozing but his hand was held out to the spot where James would sleep to wait for him. Like if he had his hand there the movement would wake him enough to be able to be assured the man got in bed. Otherwise he was peacefully sleeping, a little smile on his face.

He couldn't help being so happy that all his dreams were really coming true, after all.

For a moment, James just gazed at him. He definitely needed rest. It would be easy to say he opted for the couch because he didn't want to rouse Eli but... He's also pretty sure the boy would see right through that. And, well, wasn't it a little insulting to keep treating Eli like he's some danger? They're in the privacy of his home; there's no threat of someone just walking by and catching them.

Finally, James exhaled slowly and took a moment to take off his glasses and plug in his phone before climbing very gingerly into the open space in bed. It was a full-size so there was enough room for two. He carefully scooped up Eli's hand and, well, the plan was to move it closer to Eli so James wouldn't end up laying on it. Instead, he kept a hold of it.

"Sleep well," he murmured very quietly.

The movement made him stir and he opened his eyes a little. Smiling at the man, he scooted just close enough to be able to hold hands more easily. "...you too."

And then he was completely out, content that James wasn't going to sleep on the couch. It was hours that he slept, not until early afternoon when the light finally made him stir. He was still tired from all the lack of sleep he'd been having lately but he was used to that and was more interested in looking to see if James was still in bed or if the man had gotten up yet.

James woke maybe an hour earlier. Enough time to have some tea and, from the sound of it, was currently in the shower. He felt pretty gross from his bender the night before and just wanted to wash that all away. He must've been in there for a little while before Eli woke because it was only a few minutes more before the water shut off. And a few minutes after that before James emerged, fully dressed in dark slacks and light blue button-down, hair still wet.

his eyes went to the bed and he smiled seeing Eli there. "You're awake. Do you want anything? Tea, something to eat?"

James had such a nice smile. Eli took a moment to enjoy it before he got up and stretched. Getting out of bed, he hummed a bit then nodded. "Food and tea sounds really good. Thanks."

Quickly, he stole a kiss before giving a playful smile as he headed into the bathroom so he could at least sort of get ready. He wouldn't be able to do anything like changing his clothes or anything until he got back to his place but he could still at least rinse the sleep off of his face a bit. It was better than nothing.

Oh. James couldn't help staring a little when Eli stretched like that. The guy really had a nice body. No wonder considering he's been dancing practically all his life. That kiss drew him back out of his thoughts and James found himself grasping at Eli's wrist before he could get too far away with a quiet "Wait."

And then he leaned in to kiss him. Properly. Not some fleeting brush of lips. Nor was it some hungry, breath-eating kiss. Just something a little more... grown up than they've shared before. And when it was done, he let go of Eli's wrist so he could go wash up and James headied to the kitchen to fix him some tea and instant oats.

Surprised, he paused as he was caught, turning to face James. And oh was he glad that he was caught too. Because that kiss that he got was beyond nice and it made him melt into it. Even if they were going to have to be careful about where and when they kissed for several more months Eli couldn't wait to get more of these.

Smiling again when it ended, he watched him head to the kitchen before sliding into the bathroom to wash up. Then he headed out and poked his head around until he found the kitchen, coming over to sit at the table while he watched the man.

"You are really good at kissing, by the way."

He couldn't help a quiet chuckle. Eli probably didn't have a lot of experience with that, but James wasn't about to point that out. Nor would he mention that he himself has had plenty of practice. Even though he's divorced, he's still a man with needs and desires so, it's not like he's been celibate all this time.

"I'm usually really good at breakfast, too, but I wasn't prepared for a guest." Usually his only morning company was his daughter when she stayed here. And since it wasn't his scheduled time, he didn't really have the groceries to make a nice breakfast. Therefore, he set a mug of tea and a bowl of instant oats in front of Eli instead.

"Do you need any milk or sugar?" For the tea.

"That's okay. My usual breakfast is toast because it's easy and fast and lets me sleep later. Milk though please."

He very much wasn't bothered by the breakfast he got, happily digging into it. This was seriously good even if it was just basic instant stuff. Better than dry toast at any rate. He could live with that. "What kind of snacks do you like by the way? I can look through what I have to see if I've got some I can grab for you."

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