Page 14 of His Plaything

They’d driven downtown, and so Seth expected something nice, but still couldn’t stop the surprise when they entered the restaurant. The space was built like an atrium, with tall glass ceilings that allowed a gentle morning sunlight to slant in. There were large, live plants that decorated the space.

“Miller for two?” The woman, Kim, asked as they entered.

“Yes, thank you,” Clark said, smiling at her.

“Of course,” she said, returning it. “This way, please.”

The restaurant was fairly empty, and they were shown to a table off to the side with plenty of privacy. It was tastefully set with a white tablecloth and a small arrangement of flowers as the centerpiece.

Clark, who still had a hand on him, pulled out the chair for Seth. Seth bit his lip as he slid into his seat. He could feel Kim’s eyes on them. What was she thinking? That he was Clark’s– Clark’s plaything? Even with the new clothes, Seth was sure he didn’t look like someone who could be Clark’s boyfriend or partner. He was too young, too unkempt. His hair was just barely tamed from this morning’s events.

Clark took the seat beside him, instead of across.

And then there was another woman standing there beside Kim to bear witness. Seth wanted to hide even as some secret part of him was thrilled to be here beside a man like Clark.

“This is Yuki,” Kim said. “And she’ll be your server this morning.”

Yuki had two menus that she placed on the table for them as Kim disappeared.

“Can I get you gentlemen anything to drink while you’re looking over the menu?”

“I’ll have a coffee, thank you,” Clark said, still utterly charming and polite. “Seth?”

Seth startled, caught off guard by it all. He hadn’t even glanced at the menu to see what was on offer. “Um, I…”

“Would you like a coffee as well?” Clark asked, sounding gentle. “For now.”

Seth nodded. “Um, yeah. Thank you.”

“Of course,” Yuki said brightly. “I’ll be right back with those.” She turned and left, leaving Seth alone with Clark. Alone in their little secluded spot, in a restaurant fancier than Seth had ever eaten at before.

A hand landed on Seth’s thigh, making him jump in his seat, and he looked to Clark, scandalized. Someone couldsee them–

Whatever face he was making caused delight to spread across Clark’s own. “Something wrong?” he asked, sounding playful as that hand slid further up Seth’s thigh.

Seth inhaled sharply, face burning. “I… I don’t know if–”

“Don’t worry, sweetheart.” Clark’s hand squeezed once, and then moved away, but not before Clark leaned over to whisper in Seth’s ear. “You only fall apart for me, remember.”

“Are you always this wet, or is it just for me?”

“It’s just you.”

Seth’s eyes widened, but then Clark was sitting up again like nothing had happened, like he hadn’t made goosebumps break out on the back of Seth’s neck. “Why don’t you take a look at the menu,” Clark said, picking it up. “I’m sure you’re famished. You had quite an… invigorating morning.”

Clark still had a playful lilt to his voice as he spoke about what had happened between them, and it sent a bolt of arousal through Seth. It was a struggle to keep his voice even as he took the menu from Clark. “Thank you.”

Clark hummed, turning as Yuki approached, carrying a tray. On it were two cups of coffee in elegant white mugs, a small pitcher of creamer, and a pot that looked as though it contained sugar. “Thank you,” Clark said as she set it all out on the table. “If you would give us another few moments with the menu?”

“Of course, sir,” she said, and she left them once again.

Clark picked up his mug and took a sip, sighing a little as he sat back to regard Seth. “The staff here is quite polite, as you can see,” he said, apropos of nothing. “But I’ll admit,” he added, voice low. “I much prefer hearing you call me sir.”

“Oh,” Seth squeaked, unable to say much else.

Clark laughed and took another sip of coffee. “Please,” he said, nodding at the menu Seth was clutching in his hands. “Pick anything you like.”

“Thank you,” Seth said, feeling thoroughly overwhelmed as he stared blankly down at the menu.

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