Home Is With You

8 • Love Language

Jeremy's pov

I'm having alot of fun on this date with Homer. I was laughing more than I have in the past week. He was making me smile and making me smile. It felt freeing to actually talk about our experiences in life.

"Okay. Okay. What were you like in your younger days?" I asked him. "Oh I was a complete asshole. I was mean as I kid, my dad used to say I would wake up as choose violence. I over course used to glare at any and everyone. I remember I was suspended once in second grade because this girl kept picking on me because she 'liked me'. I kicked her in the back." I stared shocked as Homer laughed.

"Okay but what about your wife? Were you nice to her at least." I ask him. "I was at first she caught my attention and I had caught hers. When we were in school and started dating, I was nice to her. I think she thought she was special since I was nice to her. But to me she wanted someone who was jealous and possessive over her. She would try to make me jealous with other men but I'm very secure in myself. Always have been. But after awhile, I stopped being nice to her if she wanted someone else have at it." Homer shrugged as he tangled his hand in my hair.

"It's good to know your not toxic. But what's with you and my hair?" I laughed as I watched him. "I like playing with people's hair. I wanted to play with my ex wife's but she didn't like it. You don't seem to mind, do you." Homer asked me. "No actually. You're fine. So what is your love language?" I ask him as I turn to him.

"Quality time. I may not be nice to everyone but for the ones I like I spend most of my time with them. Even with my busy schedule. And physical touch, obviously I like touching your hair." Homer said thoughtfully. "Well my love language is acts of service. I like to service my partner in ways that help them throughout their day." I said to him.

"When did you start you business?" Homer asked me. "Well when my dad died as I said previously my mama and I didn't have anyone. No family, no friends to turn to. So I wanted to have a business like this from the jump. When we came to America and I joined the military myself I had some things happen and it just sealed the deal. I was going to be that somebody to help these veterans." I said to him. "That's very selfless of you. When I was of age my pops wanted me to go enlist but I said no way." Homer said to me.

"The military isn't for everyone. But if I had kids I wouldn't want them to join simply because they might come back homeless or worse with sever PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance abuse. I had a group of friends that I came back with. One overdosed on meth, another one hung herself, one almost killed his own kid now he's rotting in jail. It's terrible." I shared looking down into my empty glass.

Homer didn't respond but I felt him squeeze my shoulder in comfort. "Why don't we get out of here? You look like you need some fresh air." Homer said as he eased me into a standing position. "Thanks Homer." I smiled lightly. Once Homer settled our bill, we stepped outside as I took a deep breath.

We stayed quiet for a moment listening to the sound of traffic, and the sirens of police cars. "Have you enjoyed our date so far?" I hear from Homer as he played with my hair. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't." I hum turning to him.

"I'm glad you like it. You know last night when I saw you at Georgia's event. You looked radiant. Your eye's clashed mixed well with your suit. Hell if I knew you were going to be there. I would of wore a better suit." Homer said making me chuckle lightly as he leaned against his car.

"But it was your sister's event. You weren't going to support her." I ask him. "I'll always support my sister but I refuse to be in a room of people I don't fuck with." Homer says. "You cuss like a sailor." I observe. "If it makes you uncomfortable, I'll try to tone it down a bit. Just tell me." Homer said scratching the back of his neck the tips of his ears red.

"You're okay and thank you for taking me into consideration." I say. Homer nodded to me as he focused on my hair. "When did you start growing your hair?" He asked me.

"From when I was ten. I had alot on hair so it was mostly in cornrows until I had my mama start my dreadlocks. At points I wanted to cut them off or comb them out. But I could never bring myself to do it." I shrug as I scratch my beard. "Don't, I like it." Homer said to me.

"It's getting late. I'm going to head home now." I said pulling my hair away from his hands. "Did you enjoy yourself today, at least." Homer asked. "Yes. You'll see me again." I say walking back to my truck.

"Soon?" Homer asked. "Maybe. See you Homer." I smirk before I climb into my vehicle driving away. I couldn't lie and say that I hadn't enjoyed myself today. If I was a lighter skin tone, my cheeks would probably be red.

Arriving at my house, I go inside looking around seeing pictures of my friends from around the world. Different souvenirs from my time spent in different countries. There were pictures from when I was in the military.

Walking into my room, I strip my clothes completely as I flop on the bed, going to sleep.