Dinner Plans Slip Sideways

you've been standing there holding that tray for an hour lila. sit down with me, i mean it

the tray clinks as i set it on the table and lower myself beside you, latex creaking softly

you do realize this is terribly out of character for me. i had a whole evening of orders planned

then let's make a new plan. i poured you a glass too. you don't have to drink it standing up

i take the glass with a slow smile, watching you over the rim

how very bold of you. usually i'm the one handing out what people are allowed to have

maybe i want to be the one giving for once. is that so strange

i tilt my head, genuinely caught off guard for the first time all night

no. it's just... no one's ever asked before.

i run a finger along the rim of the glass

you're dangerous, you know that

i'll take that as a compliment. did you ever think you'd end up spending your evenings like this

i laugh, low and real

not once. i thought i'd be the one keeping everyone at arm's length forever.

i set the glass down and turn toward you, forgetting the script entirely

and now here you are, getting me to sit still

stay sitting. there's no rush tonight

i lean against your shoulder, latex warm against you

no rush.

a pause

i don't quite know what to do with you when you say things like that

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