To See You Again [UWMA AU]

Chapter 22

The two of them were on stools at the bar, a drink in front of them, head bent toward each other, looking at something that was in between them. One hand got close to the others, almost touching but then changing direction and pointing something to the other.

They were having a good time, it was evident. Even if the music over the bar was too loud to hear one's neighbor exchange. If one wanted to talk, one had to be close to the other person. Physical language could be used to help understand one's mind hence making it easy for anyone to see that the first was clearly making a lot of effort to interest the second. Head tilted on the side, hair pushed away from the face and the neck, seductive smile destined only to their partner, eyes fixed on the lower part of his face and more than anything, physical contact at any chance possible.

The first reaction Dean had was to freeze on the spot, he couldn't move anymore. Walking in, out or even hiding, couldn't be put into action. His brain didn't process anything as his will, his instinct was turned off. He just stayed, motionless, where he had been when sighting the two persons.

Dean's second reaction was to be hurt. He knew he had yet to earn the right to be jealous. He knew he wasn't more than a junior, a student or even just a younger person, not even a friend. But he still hoped that to some extent, he had earned some kind of important place in the man's heart. But apparently he had been wrong, the man that was 'destined' to him, from their past life, was rejecting him. That man already had an important person in his life. He didn't need Dean.

And then came the anger. Anger to be ignored. Anger that he hadn't had the chance to reach the man, that he was made to hope, when really there was nonthing for him to. But most of all anger at himself for being foolish and presumptuous. He had assumed that the other was feeling like him, he had not questioned the fact that he had some kind of room in Liam's heart. He shouldn't have rushed too much but rather took his time to know more about the older man. He shouldn't have believed that the dream they shared would give him direct access to a happy ending. Nothing was ever easy or free. He should have known. And that was all on him, so he was angry at himself.

« Come on, drink up babe ! »

Getting back to his side of the bar, he looked at the shooter who was shoved into his hand. Dean gulped it in one go, his mind set on getting drunk and to be able to forget.

He had come to talk with Bastien tonight, calling him to talk seriously over a drink.

He had waited for a week or two after his exams were over. At first he had had to rest after cramming for so long and didn't need the burden of the much needed talk. Afterward he mostly wanted to see Liam and popped randomly at the store, offering his help or talking about his project. He just had to wait for the wood to arrive before he could begin. Talking to Liam was easier since their adventurous weekend. Whilst the older man wasn't talkative, he still opened up to the younger, asking questions about his everyday life, his country and his favourite music.

Dean had also learned more about his club advisor, teacher and boss. Having created his shop from scratch and being so knowledgeable on many subjects, only increased Dean's admiration for him. Liam wasn't grossed out by his closeness and was even, every so often, the one to tell him to come closer to look at the work he was doing at the time. Skin ship was minimal but never forbidden. The black haired man felt so comfortable in the shop, next to the man he was crushing on, that he just came to visit whenever he had time or no club sessions. He knew that Liam had an employee coming in the morning, as some of the files he had organized were messed with, but he never met the person.

Bastien was more than happy when Dean had called, asking to meet him. Dean had heard enthusiasm in his voice and was bothered by it for he would make it disappear before tonight. They had met in front of the bar, recommended by Bastien and were choosing drinks when Dean had spotted Liam with someone. He was sure that Liam had told him not to come this afternoon, mentioning some meeting or something. But he was now in this particular bar, drinking happily with a very interested woman.