Would you like Dessert?

↞Do You Like Scary Movies?↠

Butch's ears pricked up when a bright orange paper was pushed beneath the door. Getting out of bed, the snowshoe moved cautiously to the door, patting the paper for a few minutes before scooping it up and placing it on the dresser. Simon turned over with a tiny sigh and snatched the paper. Halloween celebration! Costumes are not essential, but we would love to see your creativity; the winner will receive a free voucher for unlimited ice cream at the buffet.

"A party wouldn't hurt; it might take my mind off Drake," Simon murmured as he sat up. Simon put the paper on the dresser and put on a white shirt, leaving the top button open. The cotton shirt clung to his stomach, highlighting his small pot belly. His black slacks were thankfully roomy; they were snug about his hips, pushing his lover handles over the waistband.

After petting the snowshoe, Simon exited his room walking toward the front deck. Inspecting the different colored bats and spiders hanging from the ceiling, I the front deck was crowded with people dressed in different costumes. The loud chatter made Simon flinch as he slunk towards the food table, grabbing a few orange cupcakes and a soda. The inched his way toward the railing, scanning the large party.

Simon almost choked on his cupcake when his eyes landed on Drake, he was dressed in an old-style cowboy outfit, and the tan cotton shirt showed off his muscles perfectly. Simon's and Drake's eyes met briefly, earning a shy smile and wave. Simon quickly looked down as his cheeks darkened. Nausea swelled in the younger male's stomach as his hands shook, his brain was screaming at him to run but his feet felt like lead. Simon let out a small yelp as Drake appeared next to him setting a hand on his shoulder.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"W-What are you doing here?" The younger male stammered.

"It's a party Simon, am I not allowed to be here?" Drake asked.

"No, you are I just thought you'd be working..." He admitted.

"Look, I know the last time we spoke it didn't end well." Drake sighed.

"Didn't end well? You told me we can't talk anymore after you practically stuffed me with food and told me you loved me. Yet here you are talking to me." Simon suddenly growled.

"I deserved that; I am sorry Simon," Drake whispered.

"You hurt me, Drake, you are the first person who I actually like." The younger male stated.

"I know, I want us to try again if you'd let me." He begged.

Simon remained silent for a long while, biting the inside of his cheek, before sighing and nodding. For the duration of the party, Simon snacked, while Drake mingled with the other guests but stayed close to Simon's side, nursing his soda. A few hours passed, the icing had colored the younger male's fingers purple and orange, and cupcake liners and empty cans were stacked next to him. Drake had just left, and if Simon had to be honest, his jitters were worse than while he was with the other man. The captain appeared a few minutes later, gently tapping the microphone.

"Greetings, everyone! Are we prepared for the results?" He inquired. In response, everyone cheered, as a crew member carefully went onto the platform, presenting the captain with a little white envelope. The captain cautiously opened it and took out a little piece of paper, examining it for a few minutes before a slight grin emerged on his lips. "Drake is our winner tonight!" He made an announcement.

Drake went awkwardly onto the stage, rubbing the back of her head. The captain grabbed the other's hand and shook it roughly. "Congratulations, here is your award." He grinned as he handed Drake a lengthy piece of paper and patted him on the back. Cheers and whistles erupted from the front deck, prompting Simon to weep and cover his ears. The elder man nodded a few times before sauntering down the little stairs and disappearing into the crowd. A few seconds later, he reappeared next to Simon.

"I don't really need this since I get food for free," Drake said, holding out the paper.

I stared at the paper, then back at the older male. "A-Are you sure?" He stammered.

"Yeah, you don't have to use it if you don't want to." Drake shrugged.

Simon swallowed, took the paper, and pocketed it. "Congratulations." He whispered.

"D-Do you want to go out to dinner?" Drake abruptly inquired. "I-I-I understand you stated you wanted to be friends, and I respect that. Nothing romantic here, just a dinner with friends to get to know each other better." He added.

The younger male chuckled lowly, "Sure." He smiled.

Drake blushed slightly, as the pair walked away from the deck. "I know a good sit down we can go to, but it's below deck." He suggested.

"I'll be fine with anything, you know this place like the back of your hand. Show me around." Simon smiled.

Drake led the younger guy to the bottom of the ship in a matter of minutes, gesturing toward the person standing at the doorway. Drake drank his water after being seated as a waitress approached. "May I offer you anything to drink to begin?" They inquired.

"Water is fine for me please," Drake answered, glancing toward me.

"Do you have milkshakes?" The younger male asked.

"We have a variety of flavors." They responded cheerfully, pointing to the menu's drink area. Simon bought an Oreo shake with additional whipped cream after a few minutes of perusing the menu. The waiter returned ten minutes later, jotting down the pair's order before rushing toward the kitchen. Drake watched me lap up the whipped cream letting out a small hum.

"Are you excited for the first stop?" The older male asked.

"How can I be excited if I don't know where we are going?" The other countered.

Drake chuckled lightly, "We're stopping at Greece first, there are a bunch of shops and restaurants to try." He explained.

"Do you get to explore?" Simon questioned.

"If I have a day off then yeah, but most of the time I am working." The other shrugged.

"Think I'll just stay in my room, not good at new places." Simon sighed.

"You should explore, you might find something that you'd like. I heard Greece has a few bookstores." The other argued.

"Are you assuming I like to read?" The younger male quizzed.

"You look like a man who likes to snuggle up with a good blanket, snacks, and a good book." Drake beamed.

"I'm a simple man, I love my work, books, food, and cat." Simon listed off.

"You have a cat?" The other quizzed.

"Yeah, his name is Butch," Simon replied.

"A man and his cat traveling the world sounds like book characters in a romance novel." Drake joked.

"Do you read?" The other questioned raising an eyebrow.

"I used to read all the time, but with work, I never have the time." The older male replied. "My main squeeze is video games though, a good video game on a rainy day is the perfect day." He explained.

"I don't have the coordination for video games," Simon said.

"That's the beauty of it; you keep working at it till you get better. The joy of beating a difficult level after hours of practice." Drake sighed contentedly.

Simon patted his full belly after their meal, muttering, "Maybe nibbling all night and then having supper wasn't the best plan." He thought miserably and burped into his hand. Simon's pot belly filled his lap, and his cotton shirt pulled up slightly, displaying his tanned skin. Simon rapidly undid his jeans beneath the table, letting out a small sigh as his stomach fell forward, overflowing his lap. Pulling his shirt back down to conceal his undone trousers, he scooted out of the booth and followed Drake back up the stairs. They strolled in quietly for a few minutes before returning to Simon's room.

"T-Thanks for giving me another chance..." Drake muttered.

"A-Anytime." Simon stammered, pecking the other's cheek quickly before dashing into his room and slamming the door shut.

Drake stroked his cheek as the tips of his ears darkened slightly. As he walked away, a huge smile developed on his face.