Jamie was really quite attractive, Derrik mused, as he watched the young man enter the restaurant. Instead of immediately signaling him over to the far corner table he'd chosen, which was partially hidden behind partitions but had a clear view of the front door, Derrik enjoyed observing: looking from side to side with a slightly worried frown on his smooth brow, Jamie scanned the room, lower lip caught lightly between his teeth. With a grinning slice of guilt, Derrik finally raised a hand to signal the young man over. Derrik’s heart fluttered when Jamie’s blue eyes lit up after spotting him, a smile spreading across the open, trusting face.

Those at the store who seriously gave Jamie a hard time or dismissed him as a poof were either affected by his almost androgynous beauty or simply jealous, Derrik decided. The fellow college students who teased Jamie in a condescending way were idiots. He'd quickly learned that, for all Jamie's bright-eyed innocence, it fronted a quick and agile intellect. With experience and time, no doubt Jamie would gain the confidence to express himself more ably and lose some of his naïve air. Hopefully, however, he would never lose his honest and gentle nature.

By the time Jamie arrived at the table, he appeared to have settled somewhat, though curiosity still shone in his vivid gaze. Pulling out a chair and sitting, Jamie fidgeted for a few moments, before leaning forward with his arms crossed on the table.

"Hey," Jamie replied to his greeting, looking up from under feathery bangs slanting across his eyes. "Sorry I'm late."

Derrik wondered how people got their hair to fall just right, in that kind of romantic style, his never would achieve even if he desired it. His hair was too unruly and contrary unless it was the length he had it now or clipped very short. Jamie's hair framed his face perfectly, giving him a pert, wild look that, when combined with the blush across the wide cheekbones, suggested being windblown in some artic region of Scandinavia instead of stuck in this overheated nether hell of the southern USA.

"You're not late. Thanks for coming," Derrik said. His admiration must have shown in his eyes, for Jamie flushed deeper, looking down.

"Um, so why'd you want to meet me?" Jamie asked.

"I wanted a chance to get to know you outside of work. There's always someone watching there or snooping around." Jamie’s blue eyes flashed up to his, slight wariness and puzzlement in equal measures. "And -- and I thought you wouldn't mind.”

"No," Jamie hurried to say, "no, I don't mind at all. I'm glad. I'm really curious about you, personally that is. I guess I'm surprised you don't mind being seen with me at a public place considering ... what most people think about me."

Derrik knew the likely answer but wanted Jamie to say it aloud to be completely sure. "And what do they think, Jamie?"

"That I'm gay," Jamie said in a low voice, nails lightly working at an arm. "That ..."

"Are you?" Again the quick questioning glance, but the young man answered. "I ... I think so, I mean ... yes, though I’ve only just once ..." Jamie stammered, making a comical sound of annoyance at himself before concluding with a little spark of defiance. “Yes.”

"I don't mind gay, Jamie. No one should," Derrik said, wanting to reach across and give a reassuring touch. "And remember, don't let anything they say or seem to think bother you. I've not known you as long as them and I think you're very okay just the way you are."

The tenseness in Jamie's shoulders relaxed along with his tightened knuckles. Their eyes met and held. Jamie’s curving lips parted. Derrik's glance was drawn hungrily to them, early morning desire rearing its carnal head. Clearing his throat, Derrik picked up one of the menus.