Five Stars - Thursday
Thursday
"Nice place," Joel said.
Don let his guest into the apartment. Joel took a moment to look around at the single living space. His gaze paused at the decorative drum and family portrait, as well as the bed, before moving on.
"Can I take your coat?" Don asked.
Don dressed now in only shorts and a grey t-shirt. Don got lucky the previous day and finally had his heater fixed. The apartment now felt like summer. Even though he had been warned not to over do it.
He hoped Joel couldn't tell, but Don was as nervous now as he had been on their first day. Joel handed off his coat.
"I'm kind of surprised you invited me over. It's been three years and not once have I seen your apartment."
Don had invited him over because he needed to tell Joel his secret.
Joel made his way to the kitchen. Tomatoes, garlic and beef filled the air with their enticing scent.
"Naughty boy," Joel joked. "Vegetarians don't eat meat."
Don groaned, knowing he had explained this multiple times. It took several attempts before realizing Joel just liked being a dick about it.
"Raviolis tonight."
"Italian theme?"
"Yep."
Don's favorite kind of cuisine. Noodles probably made a good portion of his diet.
"Any music to go with this?" Joel asked as he took a seat at the small dining table. Don held up a finger before rounding his bed to reach his desk.
"There can be," he replied.
A few clicks of Don's claws on keyboard and a song called "Funiculi Funicula" gently left his speakers. The simple but beautiful melody helped set the mood.
"Lovely choice," Joel said with a grin.
"Thank iTunes," Don said as he made his way back to the kitchen.
Only now did he notice Joel's clothes. He must have changed after work. He wore a tight, black t-shirt and slim jeans. Don found him going back to their first night together. His tight clothes making Don picture his friend naked and in his arms. A brief image flashed in his mind of Joel laying in his bed. The sheet seductively, but only partly, covering him. And Joel would whisper, "Room for one more."
Why do you have to dress slutty around me?
Don was seconds away from saying it aloud when he stopped himself. Another look at Joel and Don wondered if Joel had brushed his fur before coming over. Does he think this is a date?
Don would love that idea, but guessed Joel did not think that. This did not keep Don from having his thoughts. Plus his sheath agreed with all the images in his mind. As a result, Don had to position himself carefully as he finished preparing dinner.
Dinner consisted of caesar salad, ravioli with marinara sauce, garlic bread, and the nicest wine Don could find at the nearby gas station. Only once the two were seated with their food and drinks did Joel bring up the topic.
"What other bad dates have you had?"
Don had his fork inches from his muzzle. The smell of dressing in his nostrils. He paused and chuckled.
"You really want to know?"
Joel nodded.
"If you want to feel better I will say it now," Don said. "You were anything but a bad date."
Don saw a flicker in Joel. A flicker of joy and relief.
"I know," Joel said (Don did not believe him). "I just want to hear some more stories. The one about Erik got me wondering what else you have been through."
"Fine," Don said with a smile. "I got a few others."