“Well, what are your other interests and hobbies? What are your dreams for the future? What kinda if music do you like?” Those seemed like a good start.
Setting the book down, he looked up at the ceiling while he pondered his starting point. He didn't have to answer that in order, after all. So, hmmmmm...
"Music depends on what I'm doing. If it's to study to then it's got to be instrumental and with a classical feel to it. But if it's just to listen to then anything that I can dance to. Because what I want to do is join a dance company after I graduate. My big dream is to be one of their headline performers."
Eli lifted his hands and moved them as if he was showing his name in lights on a sign in front of him. "I don't really have time for anything like interests and hobbies because if I'm not dancing then I'm sleeping or I'm at school. But I guess reading. I've always really loved to read."
His hands fell into his lap. "My parents always hated me dancing because it was so expensive. Books were a great way for me to escape when they wouldn't come to my competitions or wouldn't pay for lessons or shoes or outfits."
A sigh left him. "I've paid for most of my dance career so far. But it's been worth it because I feel so free when I'm dancing."
That made sense. Most people who were dedicated to their art were dedicated to their art. They didn't often have time or energy for outside hobbies and interests. James could understand that on an academic level. He'd really never been that passionate about anything. Studying and writing poetry wasn't an intensive endeavor, not like music or dance or theatre. It didn't require both physical and mental acumen like those arts did.
"If I can afford it I might. Right now I'm in a tiny studio apartment taking the bus everywhere I go. And I'm eating like broke college student already."
Eli shrugged through because he wasn't upset about his life. Far from it. Sure it was rough but it was free from those who couldn't support his dreams. Smiling, he leaned forward and rested his chin on his hands.
"I get to dance and now I get to date the man of my dreams. So honestly I'm living the dream."
He honestly didn't know how much a degree might help in Eli's chosen field. It's not like academia, where James had to have at least a master's and a certain number of published works before he could even consider getting a tenured position. Even at the university, he had to teach, write, and continue to do research in his field to maintain that tenure. That was a big part of the reason he started teaching high school instead. There was no pressure for him to keep adding to the body of research, no pressure for continued publications.
It seemed to him that for someone in the arts, it's practical experience that matters more than a degree.
But he couldn't help smirking at that last thing. "The man of your dreams? Really?"
"Yep. I've been dreaming about you this whole time."
Eli grinned and then scooted his chair closer than it already was so he'd be able to easily lean over and kiss his cheek. Books? Snacks? Forgotten in favor of this man here. Who he could touch and kiss and talk to freely. Who was getting to know him as much as he was getting to know James.
"I figured you'd only ever be a dream. This is really special for me."
He hesitated a second before reaching over to take Eli's hands in both of his. "You must understand how flattering that is to hear from someone." It's sweet and romantic and just... absolutely flattering to someone of his age. He felt like he's at that age where people don't look at him in that sort of way anymore.
And then there's Eli. A handsome young man who could easily take his pick of partners. And he chose James.
"I haven't really been involved with anyone in a while, so I hope you can bear with me while I try to navigate some of this."
"You're already being really patient with someone who really doesn't have much experience at all. It's only fair I be patient with you too."
As long as he knew he could date him he was honestly so happy. They would have to find ways to be sneaky for awhile but that didn't bother him. He'd gladly do that if it meant that he got to have these moments with James. The man was handsome, experienced, and so very kind. How he got so lucky that he hadn't been snatched up was beyond him.
"I'm going to make sure you get tickets to all my stuff from now on, okay? You just make whatever you can."
"I would love to see you dance." A beat, then, "Really dance." Not the sexy stuff he'd already seen. not that he'd mind terribly seeing more of that in a more private setting...
Focus, focus.
"I'll try to come to them all. I might have to skip something if it's my time with Malory." He couldn't exactly bring her along. Then he'd have to explain something... That would be awkward and possibly put them at risk of discovery.
Eli paused a second to consider and then laughed as he realized something. "Oh I guess it is a bit of a tease right now since this isn't a good place for that. Sorry!"
It's kind of pathetic that the boy saying something like that sends his blood rushing to awkward places. But truly, it's been years since anyone's flirted with him like this so, maybe that's to be expected.
"You're very good-looking, Eli," he began. "It's somewhat difficult not to paint a very graphic mental picture since I've seen you at your job."
Not even just once. He'd seen him at his job twice now. But, he had to admit that it was nice to know that James really did have an imagination to picture him like that after only a suggestion.
"You said before you couldn't get me off your mind. Is that what you were picturing? That kind of stuff?"
Oh, God, he's embarrassed to admit it, but he also doesn't want to lie. That's no way to begin a relationship. Eli may be young, but James respects him too much to try to misrepresent himself to the young man.
His throat felt a little tight and he didn't trust his voice, so he simply nodded.
James could go from sexy handsome to adorable handsome just by getting flustered like this. Eli broke into a huge smile as he squeezed his hand again then leaned in to press a lingering kiss to those lovely lips.
"I would picture you all the time too. Usually at school since that's where I knew you from, obviously."
Too bad they'd probably never really get to try the classroom because it would be so sexy.
The most taboo thing that could possibly be imagined between a teacher and student and Eli just admitted to thinking about. He couldn't stop the words before they tumbled out.
Okay now his cheeks actually colored a little. But they were in a safe spot here. So he smiled a bit as he glanced at the table and traced little nonsense designs on the table with his fingertips.
"You'd have me stay after to discuss a paper. Then you'd lock the door and start telling me how impressed you were and how extra credit wouldn't be enough of a reward. But you had a better idea. And you'd undress me and bend me over your desk and have your way with me."
He bit his lip and glanced at his boyfriend. "I know. It's cheesy. But it's really sexy in my head."
Well, he can't even say that kind of fantasy hadn't crossed his mind. Maybe because it just makes everything even more taboo. Their age, their roles, the thought of having sex in the classroom. but a lot of people have that fantasy. There's the whole naughty schoolgirl trope for a reason. James' lips were parted and he found his breath coming a bit heavier. Sure, it sounded like a silly porn scenario, but he's seen enough of Eli to paint a very vivid mental image. Oh, yes, he could imagine it: the afternoon sun shining through windows, the din of students in the hallway, a subtle squeak when the desk slid a little from their, uh, activities. Eli with a hand over his own mouth to keep from making too much noise...
Shit!.
He leaned in closer, laying the hand Eli freed to trace his fingers across the table on the boy's thigh. And he didn't stop leaning in until he captured Eli's lips in a very heated, hungry kiss. James pulled his other hand free to cup Eli's face, fingers splaying over his skin before moving back into his hair.
Cheesy? Who said anything about cheesy when this was the reaction he got? It made him gasp into the kiss as the man suddenly kissed him, practically pinning him in his chair. Without thinking about it, he brought his hand up to grab hold of James' shirt as he whimpered softly.
Holy shit but this was hot in ways he'd never expected. Imagining things simply didn't do it justice as he found himself lost in the attention that he was getting.
Eli turned a bit to face his boyfriend more, just about on his lap at this point from the effort.
On his lap is good. James even moved his hand to the back of Eli's neck to pull him closer. God, it's been literally hours since they agreed to a relationship and James is already making aggressive sexual moves. Which one of them was the teenager, again? There wasn't much they could do a semi-public place like this, even with the blinds drawn. But he wanted to feel Eli pressed against him, wanted to have just a little taste of him before they had to go back to pretending they were nothing more than teacher and student tomorrow.
He ended up on his lap, straddling him and loving the feel of it. Immediately his arms went around the man's neck as he pressed himself tight against him. James was an English teacher but there was definitely still strength in that body. He felt it earlier that afternoon when he grabbed his wrist to pull him in for a kiss. It was incredibly hot and Eli could have easily gotten so lost in this. Did for a bit.
Until he needed air.
Panting hard, he tried so hard to ignore how turned on he was right now. Pushing his fingers through the man's hair, he ended up smiling against his lips. "...I...don't want my first time with you to be here in the library. But can we make out some more? This feels really nice," he murmured quietly.
Yes, good. Closer. He could clearly feel that lithe muscle hidden under Eli's clothes pressed against him. His body screamed for more, but he still had some semblance of control over himself. He didn't shove his hands into the boy's clothes or grope him or any of that.
James was breathless when they parted, too. That lustful fog started forming in his brain, but even that didn't prevent him from chuckling quietly at Eli's comment.
"Don't worry," he murmured quietly. He brought his hand back to Eli's cheek, eyes darting over his face to look for any sign of distress. "There's no way we could have sex here." Even if he wanted to, which he didn't (not here). "Firstly, it's too public and we'd definitely get caught. Secondly, even if that wasn't enough of a deterrent, we don't have anything we'd need for that."
He was really glad they were on the same page. And that he hadn't gotten a no for more make outs. Eli smiled at him, not the least bit distressed as he tilted his head into that warm, big hand.
"I'm not worried. I'm in good hands. And on a good lap."
With that, he leaned forward so he could kiss him again. Inexperienced though he was, he was picking up on tricks by paying attention to what his vastly experienced partner was doing.
The best way to learn is through practice. James would never claim anything different. He wrapped his arms around Eli's waist, hands moving over his back to trace the lines of muscle and bone through his shirt. This time, he let Eli take the lead in their kiss. But he did part his lips in silent invitation for the boy to explore as he wanted.
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“Well, what are your other interests and hobbies? What are your dreams for the future? What kinda if music do you like?” Those seemed like a good start.
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"Music depends on what I'm doing. If it's to study to then it's got to be instrumental and with a classical feel to it. But if it's just to listen to then anything that I can dance to. Because what I want to do is join a dance company after I graduate. My big dream is to be one of their headline performers."
Eli lifted his hands and moved them as if he was showing his name in lights on a sign in front of him. "I don't really have time for anything like interests and hobbies because if I'm not dancing then I'm sleeping or I'm at school. But I guess reading. I've always really loved to read."
His hands fell into his lap. "My parents always hated me dancing because it was so expensive. Books were a great way for me to escape when they wouldn't come to my competitions or wouldn't pay for lessons or shoes or outfits."
A sigh left him. "I've paid for most of my dance career so far. But it's been worth it because I feel so free when I'm dancing."
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"Are you planning to go to college?"
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Eli shrugged through because he wasn't upset about his life. Far from it. Sure it was rough but it was free from those who couldn't support his dreams. Smiling, he leaned forward and rested his chin on his hands.
"I get to dance and now I get to date the man of my dreams. So honestly I'm living the dream."
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It seemed to him that for someone in the arts, it's practical experience that matters more than a degree.
But he couldn't help smirking at that last thing. "The man of your dreams? Really?"
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Eli grinned and then scooted his chair closer than it already was so he'd be able to easily lean over and kiss his cheek. Books? Snacks? Forgotten in favor of this man here. Who he could touch and kiss and talk to freely. Who was getting to know him as much as he was getting to know James.
"I figured you'd only ever be a dream. This is really special for me."
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And then there's Eli. A handsome young man who could easily take his pick of partners. And he chose James.
"I haven't really been involved with anyone in a while, so I hope you can bear with me while I try to navigate some of this."
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As long as he knew he could date him he was honestly so happy. They would have to find ways to be sneaky for awhile but that didn't bother him. He'd gladly do that if it meant that he got to have these moments with James. The man was handsome, experienced, and so very kind. How he got so lucky that he hadn't been snatched up was beyond him.
"I'm going to make sure you get tickets to all my stuff from now on, okay? You just make whatever you can."
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Focus, focus.
"I'll try to come to them all. I might have to skip something if it's my time with Malory." He couldn't exactly bring her along. Then he'd have to explain something... That would be awkward and possibly put them at risk of discovery.
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He bit his lip then and then gave one of the hands holing his own a squeeze. A playful smile came to his lips as he leaned in a little closer.
"I can show you more of the exotic stuff sometime too. Only you're allowed to touch and I'll take everything off..."
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"Please don't tease like that..."
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Eli paused a second to consider and then laughed as he realized something. "Oh I guess it is a bit of a tease right now since this isn't a good place for that. Sorry!"
He quickly gave him a kiss to apologize.
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"You're very good-looking, Eli," he began. "It's somewhat difficult not to paint a very graphic mental picture since I've seen you at your job."
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Not even just once. He'd seen him at his job twice now. But, he had to admit that it was nice to know that James really did have an imagination to picture him like that after only a suggestion.
"You said before you couldn't get me off your mind. Is that what you were picturing? That kind of stuff?"
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His throat felt a little tight and he didn't trust his voice, so he simply nodded.
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"I would picture you all the time too. Usually at school since that's where I knew you from, obviously."
Too bad they'd probably never really get to try the classroom because it would be so sexy.
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"Tell me about them."
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"You'd have me stay after to discuss a paper. Then you'd lock the door and start telling me how impressed you were and how extra credit wouldn't be enough of a reward. But you had a better idea. And you'd undress me and bend me over your desk and have your way with me."
He bit his lip and glanced at his boyfriend. "I know. It's cheesy. But it's really sexy in my head."
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Shit!.
He leaned in closer, laying the hand Eli freed to trace his fingers across the table on the boy's thigh. And he didn't stop leaning in until he captured Eli's lips in a very heated, hungry kiss. James pulled his other hand free to cup Eli's face, fingers splaying over his skin before moving back into his hair.
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Holy shit but this was hot in ways he'd never expected. Imagining things simply didn't do it justice as he found himself lost in the attention that he was getting.
Eli turned a bit to face his boyfriend more, just about on his lap at this point from the effort.
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Until he needed air.
Panting hard, he tried so hard to ignore how turned on he was right now. Pushing his fingers through the man's hair, he ended up smiling against his lips. "...I...don't want my first time with you to be here in the library. But can we make out some more? This feels really nice," he murmured quietly.
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James was breathless when they parted, too. That lustful fog started forming in his brain, but even that didn't prevent him from chuckling quietly at Eli's comment.
"Don't worry," he murmured quietly. He brought his hand back to Eli's cheek, eyes darting over his face to look for any sign of distress. "There's no way we could have sex here." Even if he wanted to, which he didn't (not here). "Firstly, it's too public and we'd definitely get caught. Secondly, even if that wasn't enough of a deterrent, we don't have anything we'd need for that."
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"I'm not worried. I'm in good hands. And on a good lap."
With that, he leaned forward so he could kiss him again. Inexperienced though he was, he was picking up on tricks by paying attention to what his vastly experienced partner was doing.
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