Chapter 9: An Eventful Lunch

  Why were the streets in the city where Dillon lived so terrible? They weren't roads, they were long stretches of cracks and potholes. It was such an unpleasant experience to ride on a school bus over said stupid potholes. The mismanagement of public funds along with the laziness of local leadership frustrated the hell out of him sometimes. His tech school, which was in the same town, was so well equipped and state-of-the-art, yet the roads that led to it were third-world? How did that make sense?

  Dillon supposed he should be a little bit thankful. When he was on his usual bus home, the bumps and slams of the bus as it ran over potholes covered up the bus gang's mischief. There had been several occasions where a well-placed pothole jostled the camera and had prevented their exposure. The bus he was on now was a different one. He took a different bus whenever he went to Tony's. 

  It took him right to the apartment complex where he lived. The bus driver was quite friendly too; Dillon was reminded of jolly old Saint Nick. the whole bus ride there, he could hardly control his excitement. Anytime he was on the road to Tony's he was hyped up to the extreme. It was his guy's birthday today too, and he was ready to do anything to make him happy. Tony worked his ass off and treated him like a king, so he deserved it. 

  His phone read four o'clock when he checked it. They had left about fifteen minutes ago, so he should almost certainly get there before quarter after. Dillon didn't appreciate bus rides solely for discretion, he liked them because they gave him time to think. Time to process the day's events. That day especially, he needed the time to process. Most of the school day he spent guilty over Tony's upset. He could see why he could be hurt by Dillon's need for discretion and space, but it wasn't because he was ashamed of him. All day until Tony got there, he spent deep in thought about what he could say to assure him. Even Dillon struggled in matters like that sometimes.

  Tony might not let on to it, but Dillon knew he was really sensitive behind all the locked doors. Nobody on the outside would be able to tell, but they'd been together long enough that it wasn't a difficult affair for him anymore. When Tony had come into the restaurant, he seemed different. He had said he put himself in Dillon's shoes and that he understood. To his utter shock, he also apologized for his tone. For a cocky bastard like Tony to apologize for anything meant he was truly regretful. 

  They seemed to fit back into place again after that. It really was a weight off his shoulders and he thanked him for it. As he went back to the kitchen to start up chef-mode again, his heart was as light as a feather. Finally, Tony seemed to understand that his need for space was not an attack on their relationship or Tony himself. They were just as together then as they ever were. More so, even. It appeared to have clicked in the guy's thick head that one day they'd have it all.

  He felt Tony's eyes on him several times throughout. The first time, he had made that salad and switched to his flashy knife skills as he chopped everything. Then again he felt his gaze as he made the linguini and the catfish. It felt really cool to have someone watch in wonder at the things one could do. What a self esteem boost. It was sort of like he was a celebrity chef on TV, and he even put on a show with some flashier demonstrations. 

  When Tony called him out after, he immediately noticed the completely clean bowl. That warmed his heart. It was no small amount of food, either. He seemed completely overjoyed at the whole experience, and even got a salad to-go with extra orchids. Extra money in Dillon's pocket! Tony seemed especially transfixed on the orchids and he was shocked when Dillon told him he grew them himself. It had been a bit of a fear of his that Tony would find that to be an old lady or super 'gay' hobby, but he seemed amazed. He had rambled on excitedly about how beautiful they were and how he wanted to see the other things he grew. Well, he grew quite a lot. He'd be impressed with the variety he had. 

  The way that Tony's eyes widened and lit up like a little kid's at the assurance of cake pops was adorable. Such a simple thing pleased him so much. In the future he could make them if they weren't as readily available. It was a very easy recipe. Their conversation had been relaxed enough that Dillon even goaded him a little. The heat in Tony's eyes went up a notch with each 'Sir' and wink he shot him. Without a doubt, he knew what Dillon's intentions were and he was correct. Eventually he had to return to the kitchen as he heard the teacher shout: "Fifteen minutes!"

  That experience had made the whole day worth it. Things weren't weird between them anymore. Dillon remembered as well that he had resolved to tell Kat and Brenden that Tony and he were a thing. How would he even bring it up? Well, he would obviously wait until the conversation flowed in that direction. The right time would present itself. Why he was so nervous to tell his two best friends what they possibly already knew was a mystery to him. Kat had repeatedly proven her acceptance of him. Should he just text them? Was it even that big a deal?

  Finally, the bus slowed then screeched to a halt in front of the bus stop for Tony's apartment complex. As the doors squeaked open, Dillon stood up with his backpack and Phillies bag and made his way off the bus. He stepped off the last step and adjusted the bags on his shoulders as the bus pulled away loudly behind him. That particular bus needed a new muffler or something. The amount of smoke it puffed out probably wasn't good either. 

  It was only a three minute walk from the bus stop to Tony's apartment building. It was a pretty large complex, but thankfully it wasn't far. The little bit of a walk he did have was welcomed. It really was a beautiful day. That morning was perfect too. Mid to high fifties with a nice breeze and full sun. The natural ambiance of spring lightened his mood even more.

  Next thing he knew, he found himself in front lf Tony's door. He wanted to get to him badly enough that he took the stairs two at a time, rather than wait for the elevator. The need started to build in his gut a few stops before he got of the bus. Dillon needed him. He could almost feel the fists in his hair and burn in his throat. With the door knocker he knocked loud three times. A moment later he heard the chain slide back and the deadbolt disengage before the door opened.

  He'd never get over how handsome his man was. He was in his favourite sweats and his Avenged Sevenfold t-shirt. Dillon loved that shirt. It was incredibly soft and worn from years of use. Tony had had that shirt for a long time. It fit him perfectly too. It must have been from when he was younger, because it was on the smaller side. That was totally okay with him though, since it hugged his body nicely and made his nipples stand out tastefully. 

  "There's my guy! C'mon in! Don't worry next time I go to the store I'll get ya a key," he said with a snort when he saw Dillon's impatient expression. 

  "Haha, dude you been sayin' that for weeks." He rolled his eyes and smiled. Tony closed the door as Dillon went to put his insulin in the fridge.

  "Yea, I'm sure I'll remember if I say it enough, right? How you doin'?" He whispered smoothly in his ear from behind. Dillon smiled as he put his bags down and rubbed Tony's forearm. 

  "I'm good, kinda tired. I'll be nice to get off me feet-"

  "-And on yer knees. Right?" Tony looked him up and down with heat on his eyes. "Go to yer place, but sit on the edge of the bed. No speakin'."

  Dillon nodded as he felt the pull of arousal intensely in his gut. He wondered what Tony had planned. Once he put his insulin in the fridge, he went to his spot. He didn't say to strip, so he didn't. Tony was always clear with what he wanted. For some reason, he felt a talk was imminent. Well, hopefully they could make it quick so he can be told to strip.

 When he got into the bedroom, he took off his jacket and tossed it in the corner. He reached behind his neck to undo the chain to put on Tony. As he dropped down onto the bed, Tony came in. He looked so happy to see him. They were happy to see each other as often as they could. They were inseparable. Dillon looked at him expectantly. It seemed like something he should follow the rules for, so he remained silent.