Chapter 19

- Daniel's POV -

The evening is going great. I was a bit worried, when he asked me about being a mafia boss. I mean, he is a friggin' kindergarten teacher. There is hardly a less aggressive job out there. But when I said that it only involves money lending and a bit of 'persuasion' he seemed visibly relaxed. No wonder. With the media today spouting all kinds of rubbish about the illustrious 'underworld', he was bound to have some associations with the job that were sure to be a lot worse.

But I could sense that he is still uncomfortable with the violence part. It is only understandable. However, he is still here. That should count for something.

I watch him eat his pasta gorgonzola. He gets so self-conscious when he notices me staring. Haah, he is adorable. But he seems to warm up a bit. Earlier, when the waitress nearly saw us holding hands he fidgeted for ten minutes until he finally realized that in this corner and with the plants we are nearly blocked from view.

I want him to let his guard down. He seems to not be used to openly dating. I won't force him. You never know from what kind of background or experiences someone comes, especially when they share the same sexual preferences as me. Society can be a cruel thing.

"Is your food not to your taste?" His question takes me back to reality. I look at him, puzzled. "Because you are not eating." He motions towards my plate.

I smile, wanting to tease him a little. "I am sorry, I was busy watching you."

Ah, there it is, the ever present blush.

"Don't tease me. Your meal will get cold. Don't waste it." He purposefully looks down at his plate, barely managing to keep his cool.

God, I can't wait to get him home with me. But it probably won't happen tonight. He said so himself. He has work tomorrow. And the way he acts I guess he is way too inexperienced for a quickly evolving relationship. Seems like I have to invest a bit more.

Obediently, I continue eating. When he notices, I catch him smiling.

This isn't so bad.

We spend the evening like this. Eating delicious food, a little bit of teasing and a little bit of skin contact every chance I get. After a while, I notice that we don't talk a lot about the normal date chit-chat, like 'What is your favourite colour?', 'What do you like to eat?', 'Where did you grow up?', 'Do you have any siblings?' etc. Strangely, I feel sad about it. It seems like unconsciously I already want to know more about him.

So I start with the cross-questioning. And I am sure to get my answers. So his favourite colour is blue, favourite food is steak (I will have to keep this in mind for our next date), he grew up 300 miles from here, his parents are still alive and he has an older brother.

I feel that I am still not satisfied with this. So I question him more, and more and more. And even after having desert and coffee I still feel, that I could talk with him more and still want to learn more about the person he is, or was or wants to be.

My interest in him really reaches an alarming degree.

I avoided all the touchy subjects even if they would have been obvious. Like 'Have you ever dated before?', 'When did you find out that you are gay?', 'Did you already come out?' There will be other opportunities to ask these.

Sadly, the night is drawing to a close. We are already sitting in the car, Zero lying in the trunk.

I don't want the night to end just like this.

"Alex." I turn towards him, wait for him to meet my gaze. "I had a wonderful evening tonight. Thank you for accompanying me." I smile at him.

Ah, he smiles back and his blue eyes glisten deep. "Yes, me too. Thank you for inviting me."

I look back in front and continue driving. We pass the next minutes silently, just enjoying the others company. Then we reach his house.

Surprisingly, he doesn't jump out of the car. The Alex from three hours ago would already have his hand on the door handle. But he, right now, hasn't. Instead he looks at me, searching for my gaze.

God, were these blue eyes always so intent? I feel my heartbeat quicken, my hands start to sweat.

What am I, a teenager?

However, I would never have expected what happened next. So here I sit, after two weeks of teasing him and making him blush, he, who is seemingly so docile and afraid under my hands. Suddenly he turns the tables.

My eyes widen when he puts his hand on my thigh and starts leaning in closer. It seems like he acts in slow motion, slowly drawing nearer. I focus on his lips, slightly parted and a beautiful red colour. I notice how he closes his eyes as he is only inches apart from my face.

Then our lips meet.

It is an innocent kiss, but I can feel all the trust in my person he puts into it. I feel overwhelmed.

What did it cost him, this scared boy, blushing at the slightest touch and overly nervous about his crush being a guy, to actually make the first step?

I gently touch his cheek, reciprocating the kiss but not deepening it.

If he wants to take the lead, he shall do it. I feel incredibly warm and proud for him.

He ends the kiss, backing away. He looks me in the eyes, his gaze showing so many emotions. Joy, pride, a hint of fear, anticipation.

But instead of voicing these, he just says "Good night.", his voice still hoarse with emotion.

Only when he already opens the door do I find my composure again. "Good night, Alex."

He turns back and smiles at me again, when suddenly he is pulled violently backwards.

My heart clenches in my chest. "Alex!" I shout after his disappearing figure. Pictures from two years ago start flooding in my mind. All the blood, my sister screaming.

Then I hear a voice snarling, "So this is your lover? That's even better than hurting you."