There's A First Time For Everything

The Small Things

Roland lay on the loveseat in his hotel room, letting his leg dangle off of the arm, lazily. He felt the breeze from the window tickle the exposed skin of his ankle. He was gazing into nothingness, thinking about all of the shows TFF had played. He could hear the cheers of the audience echoing through his mind, different crowds producing the same loud buzz. He always appreciated getting to enjoy quiet moments like these afterward, a chance to bask in the contrast of noise and silence. He continued staring off into space for a while, looking up only when the other man entered from the bathroom and stood before him.

Stephen placed a hand on his hip and gave him a pouty look.

"May I join you? Or is my airy Gemini aura too much for you?"

Roland grinned. He still wasn't sure what he liked so much about that pouty expression, save for the fact that it felt strangely familiar. It was also painfully cute, in such a way that he couldn't decide whether to grant mercy to the creature in front of him, or to tease him further. He brought his legs in and swung them so that he was sitting. 

"Ha! Think I'm afraid? You should know that air only makes fire stronger."

Stephen sat next to him.

"Don't be so sure," he whispered, cupping Roland's chin with his hand. "'Cause I might just blow you away." He gently pulled Roland's face close to his.

Roland ran his fingers through the other's hair as he kissed him. It was just long enough to be a little messy, but still short enough to have that cuteness that he liked. He then traced the shape of his face with his hand, stroking and feeling the sensation of the stubble on his chin. Stephen opened his eyes to look at him before pulling him in even deeper. They sat there for a while, taking each other in, breathing in the other's breaths as their lips met over and over again.

It felt good to Roland to finally be able to embrace this side of himself, to be open with his friends and family and let himself explore. Everyone knew by now, at least he was pretty sure, and now he had no reason to hold back. He had so much need, so much hunger, and he found himself now a victim to temptation, especially when he felt Stephen's tongue nudging at his lips, meekly requesting permission to go further. Still, a part of him felt that he didn't want to move too fast. He wanted to savor the smaller moments. He cared for Stephen and didn't want this to be an impulse of desire; he wanted it to be special and real.

He slowed down and took a second to catch his breath, staring into the other's hazel eyes, fondly. Stephen smiled, looking slightly embarrassed.

"Sorry if I was too eager."

"It's fine." Roland caressed his face reassuringly. "I want it too, I really do. It's just..."

"You don't need to explain yourself," Stephen said softly. He took Roland's hand into his and kissed it. "I don't want you to be uncomfortable. When you're ready, I'm ready."

"Thank you." Roland beamed at him.

With that, the other man sprung to his feet.

"So, shall we do dinner? I know a place you'll like, Mr. Astrologer."

---------------------------

They arrived at The Observatory, much to Roland's amusement, and were promptly brought to the seats Stephen had reserved for them. The view from the window was magnificent, the night sky painted with stars and the Portland cityscape glowing beneath it. The two dined together, talking about music and family, all the while flirting, laughing, and occasionally touching hands. The atmosphere was perfect. Roland couldn't help but marvel in his mind at just how well the two of them got on. It was a perfect date. It always was.