Taking Hits

Chapter 18: Was He Cute?

When Connor got back to the hotel room, Troye was already packed and ready to go. Troye stood up from the couch, beaming, and threw himself into Connor's arms, kissing the other boy.

Connor smiled widely. "Someone's in a good mood," he commented.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Troye kissed Connor again. "I've got the most amazing boyfriend in the entire world, and he wants to take me home with him." Troye's fingers walked up Connor's chest, and he smiled mischievously up at the other boy.

Connor leaned in to peck him on the lips. "Grab your things, let's get out of here already," he said quickly.

They went to Connor's hotel room first, Con leading the way and pulling Troye into a doorway every time they saw someone coming down the hall. Connor grabbed his own bags, then followed Troye's directions to the back door that he'd come through a couple nights ago. "How did you even find this?" Connor asked, impressed.

"When you really don't want to be seen, you find ways to make that happen." Once outside, they ran to Connor's car, collapsing against it in a fit of heaving and laughter. "Very double-O-7, I'd say," Connor commented.

"Yeah, 'cause he definitely gallops awkwardly through parking lots to his green Ford Focus hatchback," Troye replied, motioning to Connor's car.

"Hey, it's convenient." Connor opened the back, and they threw their luggage in, anxious to be at the apartment already.

A few minutes before they got there, Connor pulled over. "Hold on one sec," he said, then got out to make a phone call. He walked a few steps away from the car and even though the windows were open, Troye only caught a few words: "tonight," "please," and "later."

Connor got back in the car and threw Troye a small grin before starting it up again. He didn't mention anything about the phone call, and Troye didn't ask.

They stopped at Cheesecake Factory to grab an early dinner first. At the apartment, they put their leftovers in the fridge and unloaded their luggage into Connor's room. Troye offered to help Connor unpack. "No, that's ok, I'll do it later," Connor said, as if he was in a rush to do something else.

"It's fine, let me help," Troye urged, bending down to unzip Connor's suitcase.

Con grabbed his arm and pulled him back up. "Seriously, Troye, come on, let's just relax." His voice became softer. "Please?"

Troye shrugged, nodding, and Connor turned, grabbing his hand to pull him out of the room. Troye looked back down at Connor's suitcase, kicking it back closed. Just before Connor dragged him out of the room, though, he caught a glimpse of something on the floor by the suitcase - something strangely unfamiliar.

Connor pulled Troye down onto the couch and turned on some random show. They watched in silence, Troye's mind wandering, just waiting for the right time to ask, waiting for the right thing to ask.

"Was he cute?" he said suddenly.

Connor started, looking over questioningly as if he had no idea what Troye was talking about.

"Those boxers in your room... those weren't yours, Con..." Troye muttered.

Connor looked flustered. "Troye, I... I was gonna tell you, I..." he started, and Troye was about to cut in when he stood up and retreated quickly down the hallway. Troye followed, getting to the bathroom door just as Connor had shut and locked it.