MileApo : Catching Feelings

eight

April

"You've got quite the collection," Apo commented as he went through all the liquors and mixers Mile had arranged in his proud addition to his renovated home, his home bar.

"Only the best," Mile beamed.

"Let me make you something," Apo slapped down on the bar counter as if suddenly struck with some idea. His eyes glistened with enthusiasm as he awaited Mile's answer. "Come on, we've got nothing to do."

"Your excitement is suspicious, what are you planning?" Mile's actions were contrary to his tone of voice. He settled on a bar stool even as he pretended to deny Apo.

"Quit doubting me! I'm an experienced bartender if you must know." He then smirked and leaned into Mile, "I can make you feel things you've never felt before..."

Mile gulped when Apo came close enough for him to be able to inhale the scent he'd gotten so familiar with. It was beyond Mile how Apo managed to smell like crossionts after spending the whole day outside in the April heat.

Apo couldn't wink for the life of him, but that did not hold him back, "with my drinks of course!" He completed his sentence, rounding his apparent innuendo to something innocent.

"Ah..of course," Mile stammered. "With your drinks... Go ahead."

Casual flirting had become their thing and both relished unsettling the other, delighting in the other one shying away, trying to hide their flushed faces.

"Good. Now tell me where the chilies are."

"In the fridge in the kitchen." Mile nodded to his right.

Apo stared at Mile expectantly.

"Well they're not gonna walk here, are they?"

"Hey! I thought I'm the customer. You should be getting the stuff." Mile protested, crossing his arms.

"You thought wrong," Apo grinned a cheeky grin and touched his index finger onto Mile's exposed chest. "You are my assistant. I hired you. Now get moving, chop-chop." He ushered him off towards the kitchen.

While Mile went to fetch the chilies, Apo measured out the tequila base. He held his tongue out between his teeth, as he poured to precision.

"Here you go, Khun Nattawin."

Apo took the chilies from him with an appreciative smile and Mile began to seat himself back on the stool.

"I need some lime."

Mile looked at him, exasperated.

"Why didn't you tell me to get it with the chilies then!?"

"Well I don't know where things are in your house, do I?"

That gained a long stare from Mile. Apo was bullshiting and they both knew it. Apo had been at Mile's place frequently enough to be able to go grocery shopping alone. But like every time, Mile played along with Apo's silliness because it made him smile. Mile was a sucker for Apo's smiles.

"All the lime you'll need," Mile handed him as many limes as he could fit between his palms.

"Such an eager assistant. I shall reward you with a drink." He held out the stirring spoon above Mile's head, pretending to bless him.