7 Taking Things Slow

“Um…” Simon’s face was flushed and looked up at Zeke shyly. “O…K. But…” he mumbled something Zeke didn’t catch.

“What was that?” Zeke leaned forward so he could hear what Simon was saying.

“Ju-Just…just kissing.” Simon said, looking down. “Sorry.”

Zeke sighed. “Simon, look at me.” He waited until Simon looked at his face. “I just want to kiss you alright? I promise, I’m not gonna do anything you aren’t ready for.”

He saw the apprehension in Simon’s eyes and sighed again. “Maybe the one time was enough.” He stepped back. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have…” Simon gripped him by his shirt and pulled him until his lips were on Zeke’s again.

Zeke made a sound as he wrapped his arms around Simon, pulling him even closer as they kissed. They stumbled a few steps until Simon sat on the edge of his bed, pulling Zeke down with him.

Zeke was getting lost until he felt Simon resisting; “Wait, Zeke…Stop.” Simon gasped, pulling his lips away from Zeke’s. That didn’t stop Zeke. He just kissed his way down Simon’s neck, his hands reaching under his shirt.

Simon grabbed his arm and squeezed. Zeke made an impatient sound and stopped, sitting up and looking down at Simon, his chest heaving.

Simon looked thoroughly kissed. His face was flushed, his lips swollen and he looked at Zeke with wide eyes. Zeke leaned forward again and pressed a wet, sucking kiss into his neck; his hand running up Simon’s sides again.

“Zeke…will you listen to…oh shit!” Simon moaned as Zeke sucked a spot on his neck. He sighed and wrapped his arms around Zeke’s shoulder and arched against him, making Zeke smile.

“W-We need to talk about this.” Simon sighed. “I mean, really, really talk…”

Zeke sighed and stopped, breathing hard. “Talk about what?” he rasped. “I thought we already did.”

“Is this a good idea?” Simon asked, pushing against Zeke’s chest, trying to put a little distance between them. His chest heaved as he tried to get his breathing under control.

“Is what a good idea?” Zeke murmured, running his fingers along Simon’s arm.

Simon closed his eyes and sighed. “Zeke…this is…I mean, I don’t think I…”

“I really like you, Simon.” Zeke blurted.

Simon arched an eyebrow. “I should hope so.”

Zeke shook his head, smiling. “I know this…this is a bit weird; sudden…I don’t know. But I really like you.”

“But Jon…” Simon said. “The timing sucks. Not to mention that-.” He stopped, blushing.

“That?” Zeke frowned. Simon avoided his eyes; looking at his hands. “Simon, what is it?”

“I-I don’t…I mean, I like kissing you. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that…never mind that. I don’t know if I can…I mean, what if you want to…damn it…”

“Are you talking about sex?” Zeke asked, shifting till he sat next to Simon, his feet on the floor.

“Oh God.” Simon covered his face.

Zeke chuckled as he pulled at Simon’s hands. “Hey, it’s OK. There’s no rush. I’m not expecting you to have sex with me. I’m not like that. Like I said before, I just want to kiss you.” He gave a small laugh. “And maybe make out a little. I don’t know about you, but that was really hot.”

Simon covered his face as he chuckled. “Shut up.”

Then he sobered quickly. “But…Jon…” Simon sighed. “I don’t know what I’m feeling and-and I don’t want to lead you on. Especially, if I’m not…or if I never…”

“Like I said, there’s no rush.” Zeke said, although at the back of his mind, he was worried he had pushed too hard; had gone too far. “Let’s see what happens, OK?”

Simon nodded.

“Good. Now, I think I should…” Zeke stood up. Simon was still sitting on his bed, looking down. “Hey, we’re still friends. I’m not going anywhere. Promise.”

“I feel kinda horrible.” Simon said. “Like I’m leading you on or something.”

“No.” Zeke sat at the edge of the bed. “No, you aren’t, I promise. I’m a big boy. I’ll be fine. Just do me a favor.”

“What is it?” Simon looked at him quizzically.

“This thing between me and you…?” Zeke said. “Think about it. Again, it’s OK if it doesn’t go beyond this.”

“You and I.” Simon murmured.

“Really, Simon?” Zeke laughed. “You’re correcting my grammar right now?”

“Sorry, sorry…” Simon giggled. “And…OK.”

“What?”

“I’ll think about it.” Simon said, shyly.

*

There was a guy standing in front of Simon’s desk.

No, there was a guy leaning over Simon’s desk.

Zeke had decided to surprise Simon at work with lunch. And as he got to Alex’s office, he saw a tall guy, dressed in a dark blue suit, leaning over Simon’s desk and from the expression on his face, Simon was uncomfortable.

Zeke frowned at the flustered expression on Simon’s face as the guy leaned over him.

“…wouldn’t mind.” The guy was saying with a slight accent. “It’s just lunch.”

“Uh, n-no thank you.” Simon said. He saw Zeke coming up behind the guy and his expression lit up with relief and glee. “Hey Zeke! What are you doing here?”

The man turned; an annoyed expression on his handsome face. “Yes…Zeke.” He drawled, his face twisted like he smelled something bad. “What are you doing here?”

Simon walked towards Zeke, giving the tall ma a wide berth. “Hi.” He smiled warily. “I didn’t know you were coming here.”

“Yeah.” Zeke said, still eyeing the tall olive skinned man. He was handsome; if you liked the slick mafia types. “It was a slow day at work, so I came to see you. I brought lunch.”

Simon blushed. He looked at the bag in Zeke’s hand. “What do you have there?”

“I’ll let you find out for yourself.” Zeke said. “I was thinking we’d go somewhere.”

“OK.” Simon said quickly. “I’ll let Alex know.” He walked into Alex’s office, leaving Zeke alone with…

“I’m Zeke.” He said.

“I know who you are.” The man said. “Zion’s brother.”

“OK.” Zeke said. “And you are…”

“Mateo.” The man said; a cold smile on his lips. “Friend of Alex.”

Zeke nodded and promptly dismissed him. Petty, he knew but he couldn’t get the look of fear on Simon’s face, when the man had leaned over his desk.

What was taking Simon so long?

“Are you the reason Simon is off limits?” Mateo asked, looking at Zeke up and down, taking in his jeans, tshirt and jacket with a curl of his lips. “I’m not impressed.”

“It’s a good thing I really don’t care.” Zeke said just as snarky.

Mateo laughed. “I’m a patient man.”

“Good for you.” Zeke said airily. Then he added. “Leave Simon alone.”

“Or else what, pretty boy?”

“Mateo.” Alex’s sharp but amused voice interrupted the tense atmosphere. “Making friends, I see.”

Zeke felt Simon grab his arm. “I’ll see you in an hour.” He said to Alex and waved, pulling Zeke away.

“I really don’t like that guy.” Zeke said.

“Are you jealous?” Simon said, grinning.

“And if I am?” Zeke asked, grinning.

“Zeke…”

Zeke stopped and leaned down to kiss Simon. A quick kiss on his lips and he pulled away. “Are we on the same page?”

“Uh, I think so…” Simon murmured, staring at Zeke a small smile on his lips.

Zeke smiled to himself. “Come on. Remember, we have just an hour.”

*

“Let me see if I understand this.” Simon said, holding back a laugh. “You’re really scared of ducks?”

Zeke was sitting cross legged on the picnic table scowling at Simon. “I am not scared of them. I just don’t like them.”

“Is that why you are all the way up there?” Simon snorted. He was standing with some ducks a few feet away. “They aren’t even paying you any attention.”

“That’s what you think.” Zeke grumbled. “But they’re just waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Beady eyed motherfuckers.”

“They are ducks, Zeke.” Simon shook his head. “Not spies. Come down. I’ll chase them away for you.”

Zeke shook his head “I’m good up here.”He smiled as Simon rolled his eyes and shooed the ducks away. “See? No more duckies.”

“Shut up.” He said, blushing. “They give me the creeps.”

“Of course.” Simon said, seriously but Zeke saw the slight smirk. “I can’t believe I have to save you from ducks. Ducks! That’s the cutest thing I have ever seen.”

“Like you aren’t scared of anything.”

“Oh I am.” Simon shrugged. “But of real stuff, not fucking ducks.”

“Ha ha.” Zeke scowled. “You think you’re so funny.”

“I’m hilarious.” Simon smirked.

Zeke laughed as he got off the table and sat next to Simon.

“Thanks for lunch.” Simon said softly. “And for getting me away from Mateo. That guy is intense.”

“Is he bothering you?” Zeke asked. “I can talk to Alex.”

“No, not really.” Simon said quickly. “He’s just…he’s too much. Besides, I think he’s scared of Alex. He likes me, I think. And he looks like someone who is used to getting what he wants.”

Zeke clenched his fists. Simon noticed and rolled his eyes. “Calm down. He’s harmless, I think. Besides Alex has my back.”

“OK.” Zeke forced himself to relax. “But if he does anything…”

“I’ll let you know and you’ll come over a punch him in the face.” Simon finished dryly.

“Exactly.”

Too soon, Simon had to get back to work. “Thanks again. I’ll see you at home.”

Without thinking, Zeke leaned over and kissed him. He felt Simon clutch at his jacket as his breath hitched. Pulling back, he ruffled Simon’s hair. “See you later.”

***

Simon whistled as he walked towards Carter’s. Alex had let him off early. Something about Zion coming over. Simon didn’t mind. He’d texted Zeke that he was going to meet him at the restaurant so they would go home together.

Zeke.

Simon liked him.

He was hot, funny and he could cook. And for some weird reason he liked him right back. The perfect Angel boy liked the pathetic loser.

He wasn’t even sure if Zeke was gay or…whatever.

Ever since Zeke told him to think about the thing happening between them, it was all he could think about.

Was it a good idea?

Then there was the clusterfuck with Jon and the fact that the thought of sex with anyone practically made him anxious.

A lot more than anxious.

More like a full blown panic.

He liked Zeke, he really did. Zeke was the only friend he’d had since he started dating Jon.

But what if he was just being grateful? Zeke was like the only real friend he had in years. And he valued that friendship. Was involving feelings, especially romantic feelings, worth it?

“Well, well, well…” Simon froze at the familiar voice. “If it isn’t Jonny’s little plaything…”

A familiar figure stepped out in front of him. Shaggy blond hair and ice cold blue eyes with a wicked smirk, Steven was still as scary as ever.

“S-St-Steven.” Simon swallowed nervously and looked around.

The blond man shivered mockingly. “I do love it when you say my name.”

Simon’s eyes darted around. There were still people around. Would Steven try anything here? It was still light out but not for long.

“Relax.” Steven drawled. “I’m just delivering a message. Your boyfriend isn’t happy with you. It was all I could do to get him to let me deliver the message. You know he gets…”

“H-He’s not my boyfriend.” Simon said, his voice a little shaky.

“Whatever.” Steven said in annoyance. “Jon says to watch your back and he’s coming for you. And also to tell the pretty boy that by the time he’s done with him, you’d regret crossing him.”

Simon resisted the urge to look behind him. He could feel the tremors in his arms.

“And darlin’, you and I never got to finish what we started.” Steven smiled darkly. “At least, now I know you like it rough…”

With that, he walked away.

Simon quickened his steps till he got to the restaurant. He tried to school his features to a semblance of normalcy before Zeke noticed.

“Hey, babe.” Zeke called out when he saw him, a grin brightening his face. Then he frowned as Simon walked towards him. “What’s wrong?”

“N-Nothing.” Simon tried to smile.

Zeke grabbed his hand and pulled him to his office. “Talk to me. What happened? You’re shaking.”

Simon realized he was still shaking. “I-I…he s-said to w-watch my back. A-And…” he was shaking so hard that he couldn’t get the words out.

“Hey, hey…calm down.” Zeke said. “Was it Jon? Did he call you?”

Simon shook his head. “It was St-Steven.”

“Who?” Zeke looked confused. “Who is Steven?”

***

Zeke called Zion as soon as Simon had finished talking about what had freaked him out so bad.

“Somebody had better be dying.” Zion growled as he picked up. There was another voice in the background. Alex, Zeke guessed.

“Jon sent Simon a message.” Zeke said, not in the mood for Zion’s pissy mood.

“What happened?” Zion asked. “Is Simon OK?”

“He’s spooked.” Zeke said, looking at Simon who was staring into space and biting his nails. “He said Jon sent a friend of his, Zeke.”

Zion cursed and Zeke heard Alex’s voice in the background. “Are you busy?” he asked.

“I am.” Zion snapped. “I’ll call you back.”

Then he hung up.

“Simon?” Zeke said. “Zion said he’ll get back to us. Are you OK?”

“No.”

“Sorry.” Zeke said. “Stupid question.” Simon sighed.

“It’s OK.” Simon said tiredly. “Steven once tried to force me to blow him and I bit him.”

What the fuck?

“Oh shit.” Zeke winced. “What happened?”

“Jon came back before he could do anything.” Simon bit his thumb nail. “But…But tonight…I couldn’t do anything. I just stood there like an idiot.”

“I’m so sorry.” Zeke said, wanting to hug him. “What can I do? What do you need?”

“Whiskey.” Simon muttered and Zeke’s eyes widened.

“Really?”

“Problem?” Simon asked.

“No. No problem.” Zeke said; hands raised in surrender. “I’m just surprised. You want it neat or…”

“Surprise me.”

*

“I should have cut you off after the first one.” Zeke muttered, holding Simon up as he tried to open the door to his house.

“It-It’s all your fault.” Simon slurred. “I asked for whiskey, you gave me rainbows.”

Zeke chuckled. Simon was an adorable drunk. At least he had forgotten about Steven and Jon for a while.

“Seriously, what was in that drink?” Simon asked when they made it inside. “It was delicious. Can you make more?”

“I think you’ve had enough for tonight.” Zeke said, taking off Simon’s jacket. Simon slumped on the couch and curled up, humming contentedly and closing his eyes.

“Simon?” Zeke called. Simon hummed a response. “You can’t stay here. You need to go to bed.”

“In a minute.” Simon murmured.

Zeke shook his head and sat on one end of the couch, taking off Simon’s shoes and put his feet on his lap. He turned on the TV and started surfing channels.

“Zeke?” Simon said suddenly.

“Yeah?” Zeke answered distractedly.

“I really like you too.”

“Oh.” Oh? What kind of stupid reply is that?

“I’m just scared.” Simon said softly. Zeke looked at him. His eyes were still closed.

“Why?”

“What if..?” Simon opened his eyes. “What if I’m not what you want? What if Jon was right about me?”

“Jon is not right about anything.” Zeke said. “And like I said before, there’s no rush. I’m giving you all the time you need.”

Simon sighed. “You’re still going to teach me how to defend myself?”

“Are you sure you’re up to it?” Zeke asked; his hand on Simon socked foot.

“Well, not right now.” Simon huffed. “I’m sleepy.”

“Let’s get you to bed.” Zeke said.

“No.” Simon yawned. “Not yet.”

“OK.” Zeke relaxed and looked at the TV. “Simon?”

“Hm…”

“You want to go out sometime?” Zeke blurted, his heart beating hard. Was he really doing this now?

“I’d like that.” Simon said without hesitation; a small smile playing on his lips.

Zeke grinned to himself as he fought not to pump his fist in the air.

“Zeke?” Simon said some time later.

Zeke was already dozing off. “Yeah.” He yawned and stretched.

“Can I stay with you tonight?” he asked in a small voice.

“Like you need to ask.” Zeke said. “Of course.”

“OK.” Simon yawned and opened his eyes. “I think I’m ready for bed now.”