Eliot

[leo_rooks]

"She's nice, Leo. Just go for dinner with her. My treat..."

Leo had such a hard time saying no to his mother. She was always so sweet, so gentle compared to his father. When she did things like this, it wasn't for appearances, it was because she hated him being alone. She worried, hated seeing him so stressed and unhappy. ...And so he said yes, even though he wasn't really interested.

Maya was nice. She was pretty, and she was funny. Had he not been dealing with the stress of school and whatever it was he was feeling about Eliot, he'd have likely been smitten. As it was though he just felt awkward and unsure, even as he invited her back to the flat for a cup of tea.

"If you can spare the night, I could get us tickets to see it," Maya was offering as they stepped inside. "My father is one of their top doners, so we usually get offered tickets. It looks like it's going to be an amazing production..."

And Leo did sort of want to go. He liked the theater, loved seeing up and coming productions. It just felt a bit wrong to say yes.

"Yeah, if I can get time," he nodded, clicking on the kettle.

Maya wandered over, leaning against the counter and toying with his hair. It felt nice to have her full attention. To have those soft brown eyes focused on him. 

"Do, erm, you like milk in your-"

He was cut off as she leaned in and kissed him softly. Her hair was in perfect tiny braids, and a few fell forward and tapped against his cheek. They smelled amazing. ...She smelled amazing. Like honey and chocolate. ...Or, not chocolate, but something just as sweet and rich.

Comments

[leo_rooks]

"I just worry I wont be exciting enough," Leo admitted. "That you'll be bored, and things will become awkward. I like you, Eliot. I don't like the idea of you not being in my life anymore."

[eliot_thespectacular]

"That's a lot of worry for something that hasn't even started yet," Eliot said quietly. "I'm not suggesting we get married."

[leo_rooks]

"What are you suggesting then? What is it that you want, Eliot?" Leo asked.

[eliot_thespectacular]

"I don't know," Eliot sighed. "I honestly don't know, except that... I really want to kiss you before I explode."

[leo_rooks]

"I want to kiss you too, but I didn't - Because it's serious for me. I have feelings for you, Eliot, and I don't think I could handle kissing you if it wasn't serious for you too," Leo confessed.

[eliot_thespectacular]

If Eliot was a better person he would stop this now. He could keep from hurting him just by not letting this go any further.

He was not a better person.

"What... what could I promise you, so that I don't hurt you after?" he asked. "I care about you, Leo. I don't want to hurt you."

[leo_rooks]

Leo was quiet for a moment, then wet his lips with a quick and thoughtful flick of his tongue.

"What if we went on a date?" he suggested. "No expectations, just dinner and conversation. Just to see how it feels?"

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot wondered how it was supposed to feel different than all the rest of the time they'd spent together, but somehow... he thought it would.

"Okay," he said with a little smile. ."Tomorrow? You better pick the place though, I continue to not be as good at faking it as I think."

[leo_rooks]

"Two dates in a row is a lot, I really should-"

Leo cut himself off, not wanting to fuck this up.

"...No, um, tomorrow is fine. I'll make a reservation," he said.

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot almost told him, no, it was okay, he could study instead... but then realized he appreciated Leo's concession. And also wanted to respect it.

"In that case, we should get some rest tonight, yeah?" he said.

[leo_rooks]

Leo nodded a little, turning off the TV.

"Goodnight, Eliot," he said as he got to his feet.

[eliot_thespectacular]

"Goodnight," said Eliot, wavering for a moment, but then walking into his bedroom.

How much he wanted to go sleep in Leo's bed instead probably said something.

[leo_rooks]

Leo barely managed to get out of his clothes before crawling into bed, too tired to stress too much about the day ahead.

He woke early, making a few calls until he managed to book a table, then studying for a bit before heading over to the hospital. He was grateful to not run into Eliot until much later, mentioning what time their reservation was between classes. After lessons were done, he managed to get an hour of study in before he had to get ready. He pulled on a similar outfit to what he'd worn the night before, a nice shirt, smart looking slacks- Nothing flashy, though it obviously wasn't cheap.

"The car's on the way," he said as he stepped out into the living room. "Pied a Terre isn't close, but it's nice."

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot stood from where he'd been sitting on the couch. He was also dressed well, a small variation on what he'd worn to Hannibal Lecter's dinner party - vintage designer trousers, waistcoat, gauzy scarf.

"Great," he said with a smile. He assumed Leo was paying, but he didn't ask; it seemed tacky.

[leo_rooks]

"It's French, I should have asked if you like French food..." Leo added, feeling a bit foolish.

[eliot_thespectacular]

"I do," Eliot assured him as he grabbed his keys and wallet off the counter. "I went to a couple of French restaurants with Margo back in New York. But don't be shy about suggesting what I should order."

[leo_rooks]

Leo nodded and offered a little smile.

"I don't think you need me to tell you what to get," he said, hesitating, then offering his arm so they could walk together.

The car waiting outside was not an uber, it was some sort of car service, and the driver was waiting to let them both in the back.

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot got in, and once Leo joined him and they started moving, he leaned in a little and said, "You look nice.'

[leo_rooks]

"Thanks, so do you," he said, glancing over, and offering a little smile. "I like your scarf."

[eliot_thespectacular]

"Thank you," Eliot said happily. "Second hand shop in Soho. We are going to be the hottest couple in this restaurant. Heads will turn, darling."

[leo_rooks]

Leo nearly said he hoped not- But he wasn't so awkward he didn't know how that sounded. He didn't want Eliot to think he didn't want to be seen with him- It was more Leo didn't want to be seen at all. He didn't want his father's thoughts on his love life if word got back to him.

He just smiled, shrugging one shoulder.

"Pretty sure they'll all just be looking at you."

[eliot_thespectacular]

"That's because I ooze attention whore," Eliot said. "But I think it's cute that you're shy. Don't worry, I won't do anything to draw attention to us."

[leo_rooks]

Leo smiled again, settling in just a bit closer as they drove on.

The restaurant wasn't especially busy that night, but it was definitely a desirable spot, and Leo was glad he'd made a reservation. It was always nice to just walk right in and be seated at a good table. As much as his father upset him, he couldn't pretend there weren't perks to the Rooks name.

"Can I get you a bottle of wine?" their server offered.

Leo glanced at Eliot, nodding at the menu. "Get whatever you think's best. You know I've no taste when it comes to drinking."

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot took the menu and scanned it, then asked for a bottle of sauvignon blanc - not the most expensive on the menu but certainly more than he would typically spend on a bottle of wine.

"I like the ambiance,' he said to Leo when the waiter left. "The lighting is good. I tended bar in a place kind of like this for a while. not quite this nice."

[leo_rooks]

"I imagine you made out well working at a bar. I know I'm shallow enough to tip better when the server is good looking," Leo admitted.