Mediterranean Kiss ~ Taeten

Dinner

Maybe, Taeyong thought. But now that he was waiting in the hallway outside the restaurant in his black evening suit, crisp white shirt and small black bow tie, his nerves were eating away at him.

“Taeyong, quit pacing.” Mark said as Taeyong paced nervously back and forth along the hallway.

“Uh, yeah. Sorry.” Taeyong stopped abruptly and fiddled with his bow tie instead. “I think I'm going to get some air.” He ran a hand through his hair and smiled apologetically at Mark and Johnny before pushing open the heavy door that led out to the deck.

Outside, the sea breeze was warm against Taeyong’s face. He walked over to the railing and rested his arms against it, staring out into the dark night. Down below him the dark sea churned gently as the cruise ship sailed steadily through the water. The vast emptiness of the sea calmed his fluttery heart almost immediately and he let out a long breath.

Taeyong was eager to see Ten, but he still felt a small bundle of anxiety in the pit of his stomach as he thought about tonight. Because it was formal theme tonight, it seemed like everyone was out wishing to show off in their beautiful dresses and elegant suits. No doubt the restaurant would be packed to capacity too.

Taeyong knew how affectionate Ten was, so everyone who noticed them tonight would realise the extent of their relationship. He would try his best to not clam up on Ten; he didn't want to disappoint him.

“Taeyong.” A smooth, familiar voice called from behind him.

Taeyong turned around to see Ten staring brightly at him with his lips slightly parted. Taeyong was blown away. Ten looked good in a suit. Really good.

“Well you look spectacular.” Ten breathed before Taeyong could compliment him first. Ten stepped towards him and pulled him into a warm embrace. Taeyong put his arms around him and breathed in his cologne. His head spun a little at the dizzyingly seductive scent.

“You do too. Really good I mean.” Taeyong replied and stared down at his feet. He blushed, embarrassed at how that came out. He sounded like a schoolboy confessing to his crush.

“Oh my,” Ten breathed.

Taeyong looked up to see Ten with a hand on his chest. Was he blushing?

“I didn't think you could get any cuter than you already are.” Ten said as he smiled in joy.

Taeyong felt his cheeks grow hot. “I'm not cute.” He replied in a flustered tone.

Ten giggled and pecked him lightly on the lips. “Oh, of course you are babe.” Ten took his hand. “Come, Mark and Johnny are waiting for us.” He said.

Taeyong let Ten lead him back inside. He glanced around and noticed people staring at them. Two men holding hands and the fact that Ten had a massive smile on his face probably looked weird to them but Taeyong pretended not to notice the looks people were giving them.

They stepped inside the restaurant hand in hand and a staff member in a crisp white suit walked up to them. Taeyong saw that he quickly glanced down at their entwined hands but only smiled as he greeted them.

“Good evening gentlemen. Is it just the two of you dining together?” He asked politely.

“Two of our friends came in earlier. One with crutches.” Ten replied.

“Ah, yes. Right this way.” The man responded.

He led them to a table around the corner in a cozy area of the restaurant. Taeyong easily spotted Mark and Johnny sitting in the red velvet high back chairs at one of the round tables. Ten released Taeyong’s hand and the two men took their seats at the table.

The waiter stepped away from their table momentarily and came back with a chilled bottle which he rested against his arm so they could see the label. “Would you like some champagne?” He asked.

“We certainly would.” Ten chirped back, but kept his gaze on Taeyong.

Taeyong felt Ten's hand come to rest on his thigh and he tried to show no emotion as he gently squeezed his leg.

Johnny snorted from the other side of the table and Taeyong flicked his eyes up to look at him. Johnny stared back at him with an amused expression and raised his eyebrows suggestively at him. Taeyong acted like he didn't know what he was suggesting and tried to ignore him as the waiter poured their glasses of champagne.

“I'll be back in a little bit to take your orders.” The waiter said politely before leaving.

As soon as he turned away Ten shuffled his chair a little bit closer to Taeyong’s and rested his hand on Taeyong’s cheek.

“Doesn't Taeyong just look so handsome in his suit?” Ten mused as he stared, entranced by him.

“Well he does look good but I don't think I can't quite agree in the same way that you're thinking Ten.” Johnny replied jokingly.

“Yeah,” Mark agreed, taking a sip from his champagne flute while he watched his friends. “And this dinner is going to get really awkward if you keep on touching him too.”

Ten sighed melodramatically and dropped his hand from Taeyong’s face, instead resting it back on Taeyong’s thigh.

“Well I won that basketball game so I don't need to refrain myself from touching him tonight. I'll just keep it to where you two can't see it happening.” Ten replied with a suggestive wink.

Taeyong and Mark simultaneously choked on their breath at Ten's remark and Johnny laughed.

“Touché.” Johnny responded.

Taeyong exhaled deeply and collected himself. He didn't want to look at Ten as he knew he was still staring at him, either with wholesome affection or sordid lust. Probably the latter. Ten definitely wasn't going to hold back in his affections tonight; Taeyong just knew it.