cravating | (no subject)

[He wants to ask. He wants to know just how that sentence was going to end, but he doesn't want to press his luck. The offered hand is a huge step, though. They're in public, after all. People could see that.

Nate moves his hand and rests it on top of Matt's, his fingertips gently tracing circles over his wrist, feeling the rhythm of his pulse, like a drum beat that grounds him in this moment.]

That you're pretty fucking wonderful. And messy. And talented.

[Each word is said with intense sincerity. His mouth curves up into a small smile, his teeth catching his bottom lip briefly before he adds]

And hot.

[ It makes him smile, almost blush, a clear flush rising to his cheeks. Yet still he laughs a bit and responds with a grin. ]

Yeah well I know I'm hot.

[ It's bravado though, even if he's more than aware he's not bad to look at, it's all delivered with a flippancy that almost dismisses how nice it is to hear all of that. ]

You know you're not so terrible yourself, Nate. [ He echoes Nate's own words ] Pretty fucking wonderful, actually.

[His hand wraps around Matt's a little tighter, giving it a squeeze.]

So did you want to look at the dessert menu, or..?

[ Gently, Matt's hand shifts a little, letting his fingers move so they can slip between Nate's. Yes, this is happening. He grips slightly. ]

You know... [ he takes a breath. ] I probably shouldn't be coming back to yours. I mean I don't want you to think that's why I'm doing all this.

[It's funny how natural it feels to hold Matt's hand like this.]

I don't think that, though. And I... I don't want to say goodnight when we leave here, so...

[Quit trying to be a gentleman, Matt. Or at least come be one at his flat.]

[ It makes Matt's heart race a bit. It's scary, because people can see, but maybe scarier because it's actually not weird. It doesn't feel wrong, it feels exactly like what he should be doing. He looks at him, really looks at him, and then he finds himself laughing. ]

You know it's funny. I mean it should be weird. Fancying you. Because I do Nate. Fancy you, that is. In case you weren't sure on that.

I've had a feeling. But it's good to hear.

[He gives Matt's hand a little squeeze.]

That goes both ways, just so you know.

I've always known.

[ There were times he'd act oblivious to it. Times he'd pretend to himself he didn't know. Times he'd tease him, as though it was nothing real. But it's real, he knows that. ]

I mean you don't hide it much, those big puppy dog eyes you've got.

I don't have puppy dog eyes.

[He weakly argues, blushing a bit.]

[ And there's a laugh louder than is probably polite in an establishment like this. ]

Fuck off you don't. Look at you! And you could cut people with those cheekbones. [ there's another little lean forward, sharing a secret ]

You know back when we first met I thought you were a model. You look like you'd fallen right out of one of those high fashion things.

[It's Nate's turn to laugh at that confession.]

What? Are you serious?

Yes I'm serious. And you seemed like a right little pretentious cock too which I was like yeah a model would be like that. But how the fuck should I know, I'd never met anybody like you before.

You're ridiculous. [He says, shaking his head.] I was sort of trying too hard back then anyway. Wanted to make sure I was artsy enough or something.

Yeah like that month you thought eyeliner was a good idea. [ because Matt notices everything Nate ever did, clearly. ]

So what's this then? Effortless? I bet you've got a whole wardrobe of skinny jeans, you fucking hipster.

Don't act like you weren't checking out my ass in those skinny jeans yesterday. You should be thanking me.

[ He laughs again, and this time the flush to his cheeks is a touch more red. ]

Notice that, did you? Thought I was more discreet than that.

Apparently I was just that distracting. [He grins and raises both eyebrows teasingly.]

These aren't jeans but they're just as tight, don't worry.

Hate to see you go but love to watch you leave. You know how it is. [ he glances up and to the side ]

I think we should get the bill. [ and he'll lift a hand to flag down the waiter to do just that ]

So no dessert then. [He says with a little smile, since that question from before wasn't entirely answered.]

Hey come on, don't be hasty. I didn't say that. I'm sure we can think of something.

Good. [That was definitely the right answer. Oh hey and its the waiter with the bill. It's... not cheap. Whoops?]

[ Once Matt might have had a heart attack at the three figure bill, but now he doesn't seem to care as he whips out his special credit card and pays without worrying about it declining. That done, he stands up, dusting down his suit jacket. ]
Shall we?

[Nate has a bit of nerves about how Matt will pay for the meal, but he's not even flinching at the bill. Once it's all settled, he stands as well and puts his scarf back on.]

Sounds good.

[And just because of their earlier conversation, he makes a point to walk ahead of Matt so he can get a good view of that backside.

You're welcome.]

[ There's a bit of a grin because he knows what ur doin, Jones. It's good. He likes it, and he has a damn good look before walking up beside him and giving him a slight shove with his elbow. Like a boy pushing a girl he likes in the playground. Good job Nate doesn't have pigtails or he'd be tugging them. ]

So. That desert then?

[He does his best to hide his grin, but fails miserably, pushing open the door for the both of them and laughing as they head out onto the street.]

There are some places around here. Or... I'm pretty sure I've got everything at home to whip up something?

[Gently drags him back to his place.]