Skimming through the dessert menu on Kieran's insistence, Jack lingered on the description of the cheesecake. He really shouldn't, but Kieran could be pretty persuasive. And so could the pictures.

When the cheesecake arrived, it was even better than he could have imagined. He took in the pristine slice covered in a raspberry and chocolate drizzle and topped with raspberries, strawberry slices, and small chocolates shaped like flowers. They looked nearly identical to the flower that adorned Lindsey's hat.

"How many outfits does Lindsey have?" Jack asked. He gingerly pulled a chocolate free and popped it in his mouth. "And please tell me they're all Blossom-themed."

"Blossom?" asked Kieran. He gave Jack a confused frown. "I don't believe she has much of a floral theme beyond the one on her hat."

"No, I mean the 90s show."

Kieran smiled, his confusion shifting to amusement. "I see. Then yes, her clothing choices have a very specific aesthetic."

"That's great," Jack said with a laugh. "I wish I could get away with wearing the same shit everyday and not come off as weird. I mean, I guess I kinda do, but y'know? Just all the same."

"If the clothing were tailored, then I doubt anyone would notice. They would be too enraptured with your appearance to notice your wardrobe consists of only three pieces."

Jack poked at his cheesecake with his fork. He wanted to preen under the compliment, but it only served to remind him of the frayed edges of his shirtsleeves. Why didn't he grab a different shirt? On the plus side, he remembered to ditch the bandaids.

He set his fork down and settled on fidgeting with his napkin. "Unfortunately, I can't sew."

"I have a tailor."

Jack frowned at his napkin as he folded it and ran his fingers over the crease. Of course Kieran had a tailor. Why not? "No. Don't offer that. That costs money."

"Most things do," Kieran dryly replied.

Jack ignored him in favor of taking a gulp of his drink. "So is that why you look so hot? Tailored clothes?"

"I'm sure my genetics enter into it as well. My… cousin had many suitors before she disappointed the family by eloping with the stableboy. But I'm glad you think I'm pleasing to look at. Hopefully, you won't get bored of the view," Kieran said, his tone growing bitter.

Jack chewed on his lower lip then reached over the table to pat Kieran's hand. "No way. You are so pretty. And I could listen to that voice all day," he said, proud of himself for being reassuring.

"Perhaps I'll recite you some poetry if you ever get angry with me." Kieran turned his hand and lightly grasped Jack's fingers.

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"That'd be awesome. Better than that angry sex thing people go on about. Like, why would you fuck someone you're pissed at? That doesn't sound healthy."

"Supposedly, it's more passionate," Kieran said lowly, running his thumb over Jack's knuckles.

Jack snorted and rolled his eyes. "Supposedly, that's inviting violence into the mix. No, thanks."

"So you prefer gentle and romantic, I take it? Candles and soft music?" There was a relieved edge to Kieran's voice, and he lifted Jack's hand to lips.

Hyper awareness of his knuckles being lightly kissed kicked Jack in the stomach. He couldn't remove his hand without being obvious, and he didn't want to risk escalating their intimacy further than it had already gone. He could see this scenario ending up in someone's bed, and the thought strangled him. Was gnawing his arm off an option? "Er… Something like that. The, uh, lighter the better?"

He busied himself with his drink. His buzz was turning to more than a little tipsy. Scratch that. He was half gone, judging by how the room didn't move the same speed as his head. He should probably stop. One more wouldn't hurt. He could even use the excuse of being too drunk to do more that night. Besides, how often did he get to indulge in top shelf liquor?

"I believe I can arrange something light and loving," Kieran said softly. "You would be the center of my world."

Jack downed the rest of his drink and broke off in a coughing fit. He coughed into his napkin, fighting to keep his coughs shallow and quiet. He got his hand back, but at the cost of his dignity. "Just so's you know," he wheezed, blinking through tears, "I have a taser."

"I do hope you don't introduce it during sex," Kieran said, pushing a glass of water across the table.

"Never have," Jack replied, amused at his own honesty. "But I have used it as a deterrent. Does that count? Heck, the sound alone is usually enough to make people back off. It's loud. I dropped it the first couple times I tried it out 'cuz of that."

"Well, I hope you never have to use it on me."

"Me, too," Jack said as he leaned his head on his hand. He let his eyes run over Kieran's shoulders and arms. He had a deep craving for a tight hug. "Don't wanna be proven right. Wrong. Whatever. Stranger Danger stuff."

"Stranger Danger?" Kieran repeated, laughing as he shook his head.

"Forget I said anything. I say things. Stupid things." Jack cleared his throat and sipped his water. "You're too nice. It's weird."

"I think you're simply unused to patience and attentiveness."

"I got friends," he said defensively. He leaned back, crossing his arms. "I know people that like me. You're just weirdly nice. I mean, I like it. Nice, hot boyfriend? What's not to like? Sorry I look like trash."

"Even the most atrocious wrapping paper can hide the loveliest of gifts," Kieran said, gesturing to Jack with his wine glass.

Jack squinted at Kieran's smile. Something tugged at his memory. "Oh, God. He's right. You do look at me like catnip!"

Kieran's smile turned stiff, and he glanced to the side. He tapped the side of his glass as he returned his gaze to Jack. "Catnip?"

"I need to stop drinking before I bring up the belly rubs."

"Well, now I'm only more intrigued," Kieran said as he leaned forward.

"I'm gonna sober up before I say anything stupider. Like how you're not getting lucky tonight."

"You believe boundaries are stupid?"

"Shutting up," Jack insisted, blushing in drunken embarrassment as he shoved a chunk of cheesecake onto his mouth. He did his best to not be charmed by Kieran's fond smile.

image [https://i.imgur.com/eZY0YUq.png]