Page 9 of His Plaything

“I have a hard time imagining you as trouble,” Clark said. “Let me just put the food away.”

“I’ll help,” Seth said quickly, pushing to his feet. “I can get the dishes again?”

“Thank you, Seth,” Clark said, and his voice was warm too. “That would be lovely.”

Chapter Four

Though their conversation continued once the table was cleared, Clark kept an eye on the time, and suggested they make a night of it around ten o’clock. Seth didn’t mind, even if he was a little disappointed that the evening was drawing to a close.

But he would admit to being kind of tired after working all day and then coming to Clark’s estate. Talking to Clark was exhilarating, but it was also kind of exhausting in some ways. It felt like it took all of his energy to try and keep up with the man, and even then he wasn’t sure he was succeeding. Not once did Clark point that out though, or make Seth feel stupid or self-conscious for not being able to follow along a line of conversation. Seth liked that, how nice Clark was with him.

Just like last time, Clark led Seth up the stairs to the same guestroom Seth had stayed in before. Unlike last time, Clark didn’t leave to fetch Seth something to wear for the night. Instead, there was a folded set of pajamas, dark red this time, sitting at the foot of the bed.

Clark hummed as he picked up the top. It unfolded in his hands, and he held it up to Seth’s chest. “I recall you saying you liked things big,” he said, voice low. “But I thought you might appreciate a bit of a better fit.”

Seth swallowed and clutched at the fabric when Clark handed it over. “Thank you.” It was so soft in his hands.

“You’re welcome.” Clark’s hand fell away, but only after grazing Seth’s arm. He was so close like this, and Seth’s heart was pounding. “Please use anything in the ensuite you like,” Clark said. “Towels for the shower are in the bathroom closet.”

Was that a suggestion? Seth couldn’t tell. The man was so frustratingly calm, when Seth felt like his whole body was vibrating with anticipation.

“Okay.”

“Can I get you anything else?” Clark said softly. He wasn’t touching Seth anymore, but he was still so near that Seth had to tilt his head up to keep eye contact.

At that moment Seth could only think of one thing he wanted, but he wasn’t bold enough to ask Clark to justtouch himagain. He couldn’t be completely sure that’s what was happening.

“N-no. I think I’m good.”

Clark’s smile then was easy. “You are,” he said fondly. “But if you think of anything further, you know where my room is. Should you need another late night drink of water, I expect you can find your way to the kitchen as well.”

Heat doused him as Clark gave his arm a final squeeze, and then turned and left the room. Seth stood there shocked and turned on and breathing in the smoky scent of Clark even after he’d gone. On impulse he brought the pajamas up to his nose, but they smelled faintly of laundry soap and nothing else.

He almost cursed Clark’s thoughtfulness at getting him this new pair.

After a ridiculous moment standing there in the middle of the room like a fool, Seth made himself move. He didn’t know how the rest of the evening was going to go, but he could at least get ready for bed and changed out of his day clothes. If Clark did return and he was just standing here, he would look ridiculous.

Seth took the pajamas and went to the bathroom. He pulled open the drawer that had held the spare toothbrushes and supplies, but it was different than it had been last time. Instead of a large collection of items, there were only a handful– a sealed toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste, a pack of floss, a face wash, and a set of shampoo, conditioner, and bodywash. The face wash and toothpaste were the same ones he’d chosen out of the collection last time. The shampoo and conditioner marketed itself as being for ‘curls’.

Seth considered himself in the mirror. His hair was pretty short, but there was some amount of texture to it. Maybe if it had been longer and he’d ever had money to care for it, someone would have labeled it as ‘having curl’.

Huh.

Behind him he could see the shower, and for a moment Seth considered it. He wasn’t normally a night shower person, but what if Clark expected him to be washed up for him? Seth didn’t know if that had been subtext, or Seth was being too presumptuous again.

It felt like it might be too forward to use Clark’s shower. Seth had already taken so much just being here between the food and Clark’s time.

And what if Clark came back and Seth was still in the bathroom?

The thought spurred him into action. He peeled his day clothes off and slipped the new pajamas on. They fit well, still slightly long on his arms and legs, but he wasn’t drowning in the top, and the bottoms didn’t need to be tied tight to stay on his hips. When he looked at himself in the mirror, he almost didn’t recognize himself. These were just pajamas, but he’d never worn anything so nice.

Seth plucked the facewash out of the drawer and decided he’d just do that and brush his teeth. That way if Clark came back, he’d be somewhat presentable. He made quick work of both.

Once finished in the bathroom, Seth made his way back to the main bedroom, still uncertain about what might or might not take place. A large part of himdidwant Clark to come back. Wanted the man to take the decision out of Seth’s hands, so Seth wouldn’t be left floundering, trying to figure out what he was supposed to be doing here.

If he was supposed to be doing anything at all.

For all Seth knew, Clark was done with him. Maybe tonight had been a test, and Seth hadn’t passed. Maybe that was why he was alone right now. Maybe Clark had decided not to bother with him anymore. Clark was big and important and interesting, and it made sense that he’d thought Seth was cute enough to try a taste, but after tonight didn’t want more.

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