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Cory was normally slightly shy. Not a lot, just a little. Summer was his least favourite time - it was so hot that everyone had to wear less clothing just to feel comfortable and not melt into the pavement, and Cory found himself at the beach, in swimming trunks and a men's tank, hoping not too many people were staring. He felt his lean frame was too lean, his red curls too curly, his freckles too freckly. He didn't really like showing off his body, though friends were quick to assure him that he was gorgeous, adorable, etcetera. He felt they were humouring him. Still, once he relaxed a bit, it was nice to just spread out on the beach towel and stare at the sun through his sunglasses.

Jasper rather enjoyed the summer heat, it was rare he got to enjoy it since he always seemed to be stuck inside working... but not today. Today he was looking after his sisters two kids, they were adorable but really loud. Still, it was rather fun running up and down the beach, splashing in the sea an playing ball. It actually felt... free.

Jasper was wearing a pair of Union Jack patterned swim shorts, the things hanging half way down his thigh and giving him plenty of room to run and play. He had long lost his shirt, revealing a softly muscle torso. It was far from chiselled but it was clearly not 'flabby' either, Jasper had never been interested in all the work that went hand in hand with muscles, all he was interested in was feeling good about himself... something that he actually did. As a kid he had been rather chunky in build, and the nicknames still haunted him at times; but that was in the past. Jaspers reality had shifted to something completely different now. Dark glasses covering his piercing blue eyes and long blond hair braided and held off his head by his visor. "Don't run off!" He called, before collapsing to the sand. He couldn't keep going, seriously were did kids get all this energy from? It took him a moment to realise he had slumped down next to someone else. He tilted his glasses and looked over at the guy, "Sorry, I hope I'm not disturbing you." He grinned, revealing his pearly whites and the expression that most considered charming.

It was only then that Jasper took the time to take in the guy next to him. Cute. Red hair, pretty freckles... seemed like he picked a good spot to 'enjoy the view'.

Cory liked the sound of the ocean, the birds - even the shrieking laughter of kids was nice. It was so quiet in his apartment, which was nice, but he missed having his family around. He'd moved to a more urban location about a year ago for work, and he missed his family screaming in laughter. He looked up as a man flopped next to him, with the whitest teeth he'd ever seen. He blushed as that charming smile met a pair of good looking eyes, and complimented a better looking man. "No, go ahead." he said softly, trying not to blush.

Jasper didn't want to appear as if he was lingering too long so he turned to keep an eye on the two kids, his sister would kill him if he lost them after all; though now... well, his mind was drifting a little to thoughts of the man beside him. Which was probably why he continued the conversation even though the guy had made no effort do so himself. "It's a lovely day isn't." He chuckled, "Names Jasper by the way." With that he turned back to the guy, offering his hand for a shake. There was something drawing him... but Jasper wasn't entirely sure what it was, sure, he had always had a fasination with beauty, but still...

"It is really nice out." Cory agreed, leaning over and taking the other's hand, shaking it. "I'm Cory." he replied, smiling a bit behind his shades. "I wish it wasn't quite so hot though.

Jasper chuckled at Cory's reply. "If you're hot you should take the top off and go for a swim. The waters nice and cool." Turning back to watch the kids play with the ball even as he continued speaking, "I could do with a dip myself."

He turned red then, the freckles blending with red. "I don't really...take it off." he murmured, putting his arms around his knees, looking out at the water through his sunglasses. The water did sound like a good idea though, and he'd packed an extra shirt if he really wanted to go swimming.

"Oh." Jasper said as he turned back to look at Cory, he felt bad for obviously having upset him... was he just selfconcious? Or was it perhaps due to wanting to hide scars or something? Damn! Curiousity would kill him one.

Not wanting to linger on a negative thought Jasper didn't comment further on it, but instead continued as if the conversation hadn't lost any momentum at all. As if everything was still fine, dandy, and normal. "Well," he stood up and held his hand out again, but this time with the intention to help the guy get up, "You coming?" He grinned playfully... his mischievious mind already planning to not let the guys hand go if he accepted it.

Cory thought about it. It was pretty hot out, and here was this nice looking guy holding onto his hand, asking him to swim. Why was he thinking about it again? Cory smiled softly and nodded. "Sure, let's swim." he said, leaving his things behind, walking down with Jasper on the beach, the soft sand sliding between his toes.

The almost pure innocence that Jasper saw on Cory's face made him smile too; seriously... what was with this guy? He was a mystery. Jasper liked mysteries. Just as he had planned he didn't let go of Cory's hand as he lead him to the water. "Oh man... that's the spot," he moaned as the cold wash of water batted at his legs like a cat at yarn.

He was about to say something when he heard the familar voiced of his niece and nephew squealing as they approached... he should have predicted that. "UNCLE!" They called, and he could see them preparing to splash him.... determined not to let Cory get assaulted by what was likely about to unfold he used himself as a shield, dragging the guy into a hug, his body and arms holding the guy out of the way of the water even as the splash hit his back. The kids giggled... but in that moment of instinct Jasper's mind had gone blank.... why did it feel so nice having this guy pressed against him?

Cory's eyes were a pale green, and they shone out in the sun now that his sunglasses were left behind. He was still blushing, but he didn't let go of Jasper's hand either. He was okay with this, and he laughed as the other was so happy to get in the water. Then a barrage of children came towards them. He prepared for an onslaught of water when he was lifted into the air by Jasper. He yelped aloud in shock and laughed, less flushed, more playful now. "You're not going to take that are you?" he asked Jasper. It was splash war time as far as he was concerned.

Jasper let the guy go and grinned, he liked the guys style. "Of course not!" He said turning to face the kids, "You're mine!" He roared at them before heading towards them, splashing them back before allowing them overpower him and throw him back into the water. He giggle and flailed as if he was trying to escape but couldn't manage it. "Cory" he chirped, "Help."

Cory laughed. "Hold on, help is on the way!" he said, putting his hands together in a triangle and making a huge wave that soaked the kids, making them squeal and giggle, kicking water up and getting splashed himself in the face, his shirt totally see-through from tehw ater.

The 'wave attack' of Cory's completely covered him, and if he hadn't held his breath he might not have managed to survive the onslaught, not with two kids sat on top of him. As the kids moved he sat up in the water, shaking his hair that had come loose from the braid and visor he was wearing. Great... it was everywhere now. Pushing it out of his eyes so he could look at Cory, "My saviour" he teased with a smile.

Cory laughed and grinned, taking his visor. "Mine now." he said, sauntering away with it, grinning.

Well, that surprised Jasper, but he recovered quickly as he walked after the man. "Ok... so what do I get if you get that?" His grin and cheeky attitude squarely in place.

"Nothing." Cory said, walking backwards from him, eyes shining softly in the son. "I'm just going to take it and run."

Jasper took a moment to check on the kids before turning his full attention to Cory. "Is that so?" Was the guy flirting? Or was it possible that Jasper was simply reading what he wanted to read into the situation? It was possible... he had done it before, especially with straight men who were simply humouring him or treating him like 'any other dude' at least until they learnt he was gay. Strange how that made a lot of men run away.

Would Cory be different? He had to wonder that, even as he followed. He wasn't about to give up so easily. "Is that so," he said with a chuckle. "And what will you do if I just follow you?" He smiled, enjoying the way the sun bounced of the guys green eyes.

"Um..." he said, backing up and grinning. "I'll swim away." he said, putting the visor on and dove into deeper water, making good strokes to lead the other in a chase. This was fun, he hadn't done this in so long.

Jasper looked back at the kids, they seemed happy... and he wasn't going to be too far away. That was the only reason he decided to actually 'play' with Cory. His eyes watching the guys movements as he tried to predict what direction he would go in next. Following he did his best to keep the distance enough to keep the game going... at least until he... POUNCED! Kicking off the bottom and jumping across the water surface until he found himself just in front of guy, in a swift motion he stole the hat back. "Thanks." He chuckled before starting to swim away on his back.

Cory shrieked as the other pounced him in the water, laughing all the while. He swam after him, grabbing his legs and half pulling the other under the water, shirt clinging to his chest.

Jasper swallowed a mouthful of water, not expecting the other to grab his feet. when he finally resurfaced he coughed and spluttered a little, even as he turned with a smile to see.... Cody.... shirt clinging, revealing everything, hiding nothing. He tried not to stare, really he did, but the view... well, it was far to tempting to stand. Coughing into his fisted hand he found himself desperate for a distraction.... why did he have to think about sex at a time like this? The only positive at least was that the tent that was currently his shorts was mostly hidden by the water.

Cody laughed at him and brushed back his now wet, heavier curls from his face, smiling. "Aw, don't choke now." he said, going over to make sure he was okay. "You don't want to drink the water, kids pee in there."

It took Jasper a moment to regain enough cognative recognition to actually speak. He was suddenly too aware of the guy, too aware of their wet bodies.... F*CK! Why did that thought alone have to be so erotic? Worst still... the guy was approaching, like some temptress from the sea. left with no choice if he didn't want to be discovered Jasper turned around and looked over his shoulder at the guy. Damn, good view even from this angle. "True... though I imagine there are far worst things in the ocean than a little pee." And right now, he was feeling very much one of those things.

Jaspers eyes found the kids, they were still playing happily together. "Come on." He said, "Lets get back to shore."

"You're probably right." Cory chuckled, nodding and swimming lazily to shore beside the other once he figured he was okay. "You have a big family." he noted, doing a front stroke.

He rolled onto his back. Lazily looking up at the sky. "Not really, just them... my sister and her husband now." He said a little sad and a little happy at the same time, happy that he at least wasn't completely alone after that accident all those years ago. "You?"

"My family's back in the country. I have...five siblings." he said, grinning. "I miss them, but there's way more jobs up here in the city." he nodded, putting his sunglasses on once they reached his blanket

"Ah.... so you're a country boy?" Maybe that explained the curly hair, all the country boys in the films seemed to have curly hair. But it was cute, suited the guy. "But five siblings... wow... bet you were never bored as a kid." He chuckled sitting down even though he might not be 'invited' to do so.

He nodded and smiled. "I didn't have time to be bored." he laughed. "They're all younger than me too, so lots of screaming and laughing and crying. Place seems so quiet now." He scooted over so that the other could sit beside him.

A little hesitantly he move onto the blanket next to the guy. "Is that so." He chuckled, feeling suddenly selfconscious. He brought his knee up to hide the remains of his erection. "We're twins." He found himself saying, "My sister and I. Though I am older by like...." He pretended to think about it, not that he really needed to; he had held this particular fact against his sister all of their lives. "...four minutes."

"Four minutes made you the man of the house." he laughed softly, not even paying attention to down there. It was just so nice to feel at ease, relaxed. Especially with someone so warm, inviting and...well, completely sexy.

He laughed at that comment, "Don't say that to her. Trust me... she will kick your arse." He grinned looking over at the guy again. "I may have been older, but she ruled." Maybe because he let her, he would do anything for his sister.

He laughed and nodded. "I'll keep my lips sealed." he promised, leaning back on the sand, over the blanket. "Do you come here to the beach much?"

He leaned forward, watching the kids as they played. "Not really. Tend to stay indoors stuck on a computer actually." Jasper was an author, and his life was usually always revolving around some project or another. He went places for research, but that was it really. Not much time for fun. "I tend to be in my own world most of the time." He chuckled. Throwing himself backwards then so that he was lying next to the guy, the sky looked beautiful, he was just glad that he had his sunglasses on. "You?"

"I come sometimes when I can. I like being in the water and hearing the crowds." he replied, rolling to his side to take a closer look at Jasper, eyes drifting downwards before he could help himself. Well. That looked...generous. "Work at least is nice and busy."

"What do you do?" He asked, oblivious to Cody's inspection since he was still looking at the sky.

"I work in a coffee shop, I'm the junior manager." he said. "I love the smell of fresh grinds." he laughed, deciding to keep looking while the other was distracted. "What about you?'

"Ah... writer." He said after a small pause, he rarely told anyone the name he wrote under; Jasper liked to keep himself to himself, and eventhough his books were popular he didn't want fans to bug him too much. Jasper looked over then, catching Cody looking at him. "Like what you see?" He said without really thinking.

Cory blushed bright red and coughed. "I-I wouldn't say no." he mumbled, looking down at his blanket, feeling hopelessly embarrassed for being caught in the act. "Sorry." he mumbled.

Jasper wanted to curse himself for embarassing the guy; but truth be told... he rather liked it. Leaning over he captured the guys chin with his hand, softly bringing his eyeline up so he could look at the guy again. "Don't be embarrassed." He said softly, adding, "I like what I see too." It was true, but Jasper wanted to see how the guy reacted.

Cory flushed and leaned into the hand, looking up and flushing even more, his freckles almost disappearing into the red. "Jerk." he mumbled softly, light green eyes happy that the other liked him too.

Jasper chuckled releasing the guy, "Well, that's one reaction I hadn't expected." He rolled onto his back again, even as he watched the guy and the obvious blush that covered his face.

He smacked him lightly on the arm and then curled into the other's side. "Is this okay?" he murmured quietly, his wet tank pressed up against Jasper's warm body.

Jasper looked own at the guy and smiled, "Sure." He wasn't bothered by touch, even intimate touch, having always been pretty open about it... something that pissed people off at times; but it was just how he was. Feeling the guys wet top pressed against his warm skin was a rather nice sensation. Still, he tried to ignore it to ask; "You warm enough?" Stupid question given how hot it was, but it was too late to take it back now. "Oh... and where's your cafe? Maybe I will stop by one day?"

He nodded softly and smiled at him, not bothering to respond with words until the other asked about the cafe. "It's a Coffee World, the one on Bright and 5th." he said. "Nothing too fancy, but still nice. Would be great if you dropped in."

Jasper smiled, and leaned up enough so he could check on the kids. And as he did he heard an all too familar voice. "'bout time you checked on them! Didn't realise you were bring your boyfriend with ya!" His sister!

Jasper leaned back so he could look up at his sister, who was no leaning over him. "I was watching! We've been playing together all day... ask them!" He grinned, trying to turn on the charm. "This is Cody... not my boyfriend... yet." He leaned over to wink at the guy, "but if you carry on Leah you may very well spoil that." He watched as she laughed, he liked to see her happy.... that night when their parents had died had nearly killed him... so many tears... so much pain... and all he had been able to do was hold her, even as both of their worlds fell apart.

"Nice to meet you." Cory said softly, holding out his hand to Leah, feeling embarrassed from teh attention but sitll ahving his manners.

Leah smiled, and took the hand... sweet as always, Jasper thought. Then her attention turned to the kids, "Thanks for today Jasper. I'll take them home!" She looked back down at him and laughed, "No behave yourself... you're a gentleman remember!" She started to walk off, all the while adding, "Don't do anything I wouldn't! I'll bring you some dinner round later." With that she was gone.

Jasper sighed in relief, even as he waved to his sister. "Sorry about that," he offered with a gentle smile.[8:29pm] Quartz Passion:"A gentleman?" he smiled back. "I don't remember meeting a gentleman, who was she talking about?" he teased, taking the other's hand and holding it.[8:33pm] syaoranpuu:Jasper let the guy take his hand, even as he leaned his head on his free arm. "Bah... she is all talk. Just ignore her." He said with a grin, "I have a habit of getting carried away." He added, almost as a warning... he would let Cory go if he wanted, after all Jasper never took anyone by force or against their will... but still, he hoped the guy would hang around.

"Ice cream.... fancy one?" He said, as he turned his head to look over at the redhead.

Cory smiled and nodded, taking the warning in stride. He nodded at the chance for ice cream. "Just let me put on a dry shirt." he said, taking off the wet tank and drying himself off, putting on a soft t-shirt overtop.

Jasper could have been a gentleman and looked away as Cory changed, but curiousity had taken the better of him... he couldn't see any scars or anything, though he knew not all scars appeared on the flesh. "Ok, sure." He said, even as he noted that the old top had already started to dry in the heat. Getting up he brushed the worst of the sand off himself, though it was a pain given it was stuck on wet flesh... at least he would be dry soon enough.

Waiting for Cory to finish he held his arm out, "Shall we?"

"Gladly." Cory said, taking an arm softly. Yup, he definitely wasn't a gentleman...but he was okay with that. He was liking Jasper the way he was.

"Flavour?" He asked as they approached the icecream shack. "I think... chocolate mint... oh... or raspberry..." He turned to Cory, looking exactly like a kid in a candy store.

"There's a few here. I want Tiger." he said, deciding for himself right away.

He smile at that, though wasn't actually sure what 'tiger' was. Maybe he really needed to get out more. "Ok then. One tiger... and one... I dunno. Surprise me." He told the guy, only to be rewarded with the same as Cory. "Ok... what flavour is this?" He asked a little confused.

"It's Tiger." he said. "Mixture of orange sherbert and black licorice." he said, nipping the top of his icecream.

"oh." He said in wonder, caustiously licking it. It was... different. Though Jasper wasn't completely sure if he liked it or not. He licked it again... and again... maybe it would grow on him?

"It's a bit different." he admitted. "Most don't like it." Cory liked it though - he'd always been a fan of black licorice.

"Yeah, I agree it's different. Not the worst." He said with a smile, he could eat it at least. "though...." He acted quickly, moving his hand holding the cone towards Cory and the guys nose, so that a blob of icecream was left behind. Moving into position he grinned wickedly, "I wonder if it taste better this way...." He licked the guys nose, before moving back far enough to give the guy back his personal space even as he licke his lips. "As I suspected, it is better that way."

Cory made a weird sound as the other got ice cream on his nose. "The heck are you doing?" he asked, then squeaked as his nose was licked, going bright red all over again. "...you're still a jerk." he muttered.

Jasper put a hand over his heart, acting wounded. "That hurts you know!" He teased, even as he found himself tempted to do it again. Instead he brought his fingers up and softly stroked the guys blush. "Adorable." He grinned. Wanting to see how far the guy would let him push him....

He flushed even more. "Well then maybe you'll stop being such a jerky-jerk." he teased, leaning into the blush. His heart slammed in this throat.

Jasper brushed Cody's cheek a little longer, "You like that word don't you." He said, even as he leaned forward and whispered in the guys ear, "I wonder what you would call me if we were both naked and sweaty." He straightened up and chuckled a little, taking another lick of his ice cream as if to faint innocence.

Cory was about to order water when Jasper offered to pay for it all. His eyes went wide as fishbowls. Just how well off WAS Jasper anyhow? "I-are you sure?" he asked, feeling clumsy with his words.

Jasper nodded without hesitation, "I wouldn't have said it if I hadn't meant it." He said honestly, hoping the guy would hear the truth behind his words. Considering Jasper had been the one to drag Cory here it was the least he could do, "If all goes well, you can treat me to coffee or something one day." He smiled, looking down at the menu to see what he fancied.

Cory blushed like a tomato and ordered a long island iced tea, figuring that he might have to drink a bit to relax now. Jasper was so...giving. He wanted things to go well too.

The waiter left to get their drinks and Jasper looked up from the menu long enough to ask Cody; "Do you fancy sharing a starter? Any idea what you want?" His mind was running blank... having Cody here was like a strange dream come true and he really wasn't sure what to order right now.

Cory blinked and looked at everything. "There's so many choices." he admitted, his eyes and red face peeking up from behind the menu. "Maybe something light to start, nothing heavy? What do you like?"

Shuffling around the booth so that he was sat next to Cody he pulled the guy softly to his side by wrapping his arm around him. Jasper hoped it would be enough to relax the guy, but he knew it could also have the complete opposite effect... only time would tell on that one.

Still he continued and acted as if nothing had changed. "How about a plate of battered mushrooms for starter?" He scanned the list, "Maybe with some cheese balls." That was light right? Plus, being shared it would hardly feel like anything at all. "I eat pretty much anything... except squid, never been a fan of squid." He said with a chuckle.

"Oh, I don't like seafood much either." Cory said, flushing but happy that jasper had curled up with him. He leaned on him slightly and put a hand on his thigh gently. "Mushrooms sound good to me." he said, smiling.

Jasper smiled as his suggestion was accepted. "For the main course?" He prompted, even as his eyes picked out the one section of the menu he always seemed to order from when he was out. "Filet mignon... medium," he licked his lips and looked down at Cory as if sizing him up for dessert

Cory quelled the temptation to whack him, though it was very tempting. "You can quit it with the eyes." he said, poking him. He was blushing madly now. "I'm not sure...I like steak but I think I want something else."

Jasper laughed, holding his hands up as if to show his innocence. "Yes sir," he said, still laughing softly. "Hmmm.... why not some pasta? Or..." He ran his finger down the guys menu, stopping it randomly "Roasted rabbit loin with Bayonne ham, confit tomato, marjoram, broad beans, grelots and chargrilled charlotte potatoes." He read.

He blinked and wrinkled his nowe. "I don't like tomato much." he confessed, knowing it was a silly childhood dislike.

Jasper looked down as Cory scruntched up his nose.... it was cute! Almost childlike. "Ok," He kissed the guys forehead before looking at the menu again, "Well, pick whatever you fancy." He offered, trying to give the guy enough space and freedom as he needed.

"Sorry." he replied, taking the mushroom in his mouth and nibbling at it. He felt bad for bringing it up.

"Don't be, it's not as if anything will change." He said softly, "At least I still had my twin." He grinned, not feeling too bad about it, it wasn't as if he could do anything about it now... and really, it had been too long to worry about it anyway. Though suddenly Jasper did feel a little awkward... not the smartest thing to bring up on a first 'date'.

Coughing into his fist he desperately looked for an alternative conversation or distraction. "Have you ever been here before?" Stupid question but it was too late to take it back.

Cory put his hand on Jasper's arm softly in an attempt to comfort him, and he bit his lip just a little in mirth as the other had asked him if he'd been to the restaurant before. He couldn't help but chuckle a little.

Jasper rubbed the back of his neck with the hand that wasn't attached to the arm Cory was currently touching, "Stupid question huh?" He said, even as the waiter came to take their starter plates

"Yup." he teased, grinning at him and leaning on his shoulder. "That's okay though."purple]

"Good... because I am pretty sure there are plenty more like it to come." He said a little exasperated at himself. "So..." He stretched his arm around Cory's shoulders and pulled him close. "...tell me about men have you slept with?" Forward question yes, but when Jasper got nervous he had a habit of saying the first thing that came to mind... and that usually involved sex in one form or another.

He giggled a bit at the other's admission and began to sip his ice tea. Then he choked horribly on it when the other asked him such a bold question, nearly inhaling an ice cube. He turned bright red and attempted to catch his breath.

Instinct took over as Jasper banged on the guys back in an effort to help him not chock. "You ok?" He asked, concern furrowing on his brow. "Well, thats one way to avoid the question."

He coughed and figured himself out. "Don't do that when I'm drinking next time." he muttered, bright bright red. "And I haven't slept with anyone..." he trailed off, very shy.

Cory's honest answer surprised him... more so that the answer was rather shocking, Jasper had been expecting him to say at least one or two.... but none? Or was that just men? Unable to simply drop the subject he found himself saying; "Sorry... I will try and keep that in mind but...." He leaned in closer so he was whispering in the guys ear, "Are you saying you are a virgin?" It was miraculous to Jasper how anyone could be a virgin in this day and age, sex seemed to be so readily available at every corner.

He blushed even harder and even redder. "You're a d**k." was his response, which meant, yes I am a virgin you d**k. He took a much larger drink, figuring he was going to need it at this point.

Ok, so not the responce that Jasper had been expecting, but given how the guys face was currently the same colour as his hair he was going to read between the lines, or rather between the expressions, and take it as a yes. Wow! Unable to resist teasing him, which just proved he really was a d**k at times, he kissed Cory's cheek. "I like that."

"What about you?" he asked in reply, trying in vain to calm down the blush that was all over him, down his neck as well as his face. "I sitll can't believe you'd ask that..."

"Says the man who also just asked." He said with a wink. "As for the answer... perhaps we shouldn't go there." It wasn't that Jasper was embarassed, but after having a few one night stands as a form of stress relief during his bigger projects the number had shot up a little more than he would have liked. Now it was his turn to blush a little, and he coughed into his fist again. Talk about awkward.

"Oh no no, you asked me, so now I'm asking you." he replied, giving him a look. "Don't dish it out if you can't take it."

"I can take it." He said, though there wasn't as much commitment behind the words as he would have hoped. He sighed, and resided himself to his fate as he slipped his arm from around Cory and looked at him straight on. "I will tell you the answer if you really want to know."

He nodded. "I think it's only fair." he murmured quietly. He was curious now - how many had it been? Why was Jasper reluctant to tell him?

Ok.... he gulped, knowing the guy was right, even if he didn't want to admit it outloud. "Two women." Ok, not so bad... but that wasn't the problem. Quietly he said, "Twenty-two men."

Two women, okay, so he like both sexes, not a problem...and then, oh my. A lot of men. He blinked, and then blinked again, and then took another drink. "I see." he said, because he had no idea what to say after hearing that.

"Give or take...." Jasper said, as if that would suddenly make it better. "Eh...." He rubbed the back of his neck again, wow, he really wanted the earth to swallow him whole! "Sorry.... I understand if you want to leave now." He said quickly, pretty sure that Cory would jump at the out offered.

Cory blinked. Give or take huh. He tilted his head to the side. "No, I don't want to leave." he said honestly. He squeezed Jasper's hand. "I mean, it kind of took me by surprise, but...I don't want to judge you, I hate it when people judge me."

Jasper sighed and leaned back, far from relieved despite Cory sticking around. He spent a moment just thinking, and was about to reply when the waiter came back with their food and placed it before them, waiting for the guy to leave he remained silent, at least until he was gone, "In my defense.... I have never cheated on anyone, and a large number of them are flings from school or stressing out a work." Wow, that sounded lame even to his own ears.

"Like I said - not my place to judge." he said, rubbing his arms. "I mean...I'm kind of jealous." he admitted, flushing. "Must be nice to have so many people throwing themselves atyou."

"You're cute." Jasper found himself saying, not really thinking too much before saying it. Picking up his knife and fork he started to work on his dinner, wondering what he should talk about.... continue or change? He wasn't sure what to ask so he remained silent for a while, at least until something occured to him. "Well, I threw myself at you didn't I.... and I am sure there are lots of people who are drawn to you; give yourself more credit."

Cory flushed a little bit. "I guess you did." he replied softly. "Most people don't approach me, and I'm kind of quiet so I don't do much approaching." He ate some of his dinner too, giving a soft noise at how good it was. "I'm glad you did though."

"Good." Jasper said, relaxing a little. "And don't worry.... you chasity is safe unless you don't want it to be." He smiled softly, hoping that he was saying the right thing and not just sticking his foot in it again, "Promise."

He laughed and smiled. "I'm not a religious nut or anything." he assured him, leaning over and kissing him on teh cheek.

Jasper shrugged, "Didn't quite mean it that way. Was just saying... well.. yeah, I won't force you to do anything." He wrapped his arm around Cory's shoulders again and gave him a squeeze. "I can wait.... or whatever."

He smiled and leaned into the squeeze. "Well you'd better not." he said, sticking out his tongue with a playful smile.

"Never." He actually looked a little offended at the implication, at least until he saw the look on Cory's face. He let it go quickly and smiled back. "Right... change of subject, since my topics obviously suck, and not in a good way...." oh s**t! He did it again! "....eh... your turn."

He laughed and chuckled, eating more food. "Well...you have an editor, tell me more about what you do." he said, smiling his way."I write books." He said simply, trying to avoid telling him exactly what books.

"Well that tells me barely anything." he chuckled, having another sip. "Do I get to know naything else?"

"Depends if it will change your opinion of me of not." He said a little tight lipped, but in the end he conceeded defeated and continued; it was the least he could do for embarassing the guy earlier. "Well, I have wrote a few famous books. The Dragon Boy, Dragon Lore... and the rest of the series, my writing name is P Walters."

He smiled. "Well, like I said, 5 other siblings, we all worked together on making the farm run, but it hasn't been as profitable as it used to be, so I went off on my own so not to burden everyone else." he said. "Well, and after a while you just get too old to live with your folks." he admitted. "The farmlands are so spaced out you don't see anyone else. I wanted to...meet people."

Ah, perhaps that explained why the guy was a virgin, after all, surely he was like the juiciest piece of bait around for men like him.... well, for anyone really.... red hair, freckles, sure they weren't everyone's cup of tea but Cory was cute, super cute, and it was only heighted by the obvious fact that he was oblivious to it all. "Sounds fun. Do you fight a lot?"

Cory chuckled. "Well yeah, but all families do. It's normal fighting. I even miss it sometimes." he laughed, green eyes warm with thoughts of his family. "It's nice to not have people barge in when I want to keep things private though."

Jasper chuckled at that, "Tell me about it! I remember trying to... eh... you know... relieve my self in the bathroom and Leah came barging in. Don't think I looked her in the eyes for months!"

He laughed. "That sucks. I know how you feel." he said, sighing. "Sock on the door means nothing to them."

Jasper laughed at that, "Didn't use a sock, I think it was my school tie." He shrugged his shoulders, "I guess I can't complain too much. I did get her back after all... use to make it a habit to use the bathroom when she was in the shower, not to spy or anything... not that you could see anything due to the curtain,... just to piss her off." He laughed again, remembering how mad Leah used to get! He actually missed those days.

He laughed and grinned. "We had old pipes, so I'd flush while they were in the shower and scald them." He had his evil moments too.

"That's just mean." Jasper said, even though he was smiling. "But I like your style... remind me to never annoy you!"

He grinned. "Well my new apartment doesn't do that...I don't think." he chuckled, finishing up his food. "And they totally deserved anything I threw at them."

"I am still not sure I want to find out." He said, finishing up the last of his food also. "Why... what did they do to you? Bar walking in on your playing?" He chuckled. "Oh... do you fancy dessert?"

"Oh, I love dessert." he replied, prefering to forego the other questions.

He gave a pout. "You thought I'd give you the wrong number? Why?" he asked, not understanding why the other had such little faith. His own phone buzzed and he picked up, speaking into the receiver. "See?"

Jasper felt bad after seeing hoy Cory took his little 'joke'. "I... didn't mean it like that." He said softly, "Sorry." He kissed the top of the guys head again, "Forgive me."

He rolled his eyes and curled into him. "Jerk." he replied softly.

"You really do like that word... don't you?" He said, though he had to agree he deserved that particular one. Their dessert arrived shortly after. "Wow... looks... massive." He chuckled.

Cory smiled and got out of the car, pulling Jasper towards him and hugging him. He could see the other's anxiety. "Do I get the tour?"

Jasper held Cory for a moment, ok, why was he so nervous? It wasn't as if he hadn't done this before... ok, maybe that wasn't entirely true... but still! He took a moment to get a grip of himself before kissing the top of Cory's head. "Of course" He ran his fingers down Cory's arm before claiming the guys hand in his own. "This way."

Cory grinned and followed him - he was nervous too, but excited as well. He squeezed his arm and followed him inside, curious to see Jasper's apartment.

Taking Cory up the lift to the top floor he opened the door to reveal the open plan space within. The large living room with a fire place collum and snuggly sofa, to the dining room and kitchen, highlighted on three sides by glass windows. To one side was the only solid wall, it had three doors off it that lead to two bedrooms and a bathroom. The tour ended with Jasper showing Cory the master bedroom. The big round bed standing out with striking effect, especially since all the wardrobes had glass windows that reflected the constasting black and white colours and made the room seem even bigger. "Well.. that's it." He said with a smile, "Home."

Cory was hard pressed not to gape. It was a penthouse suite with gorgeous EVERYTHING. He looked around in awe, at everything the other showed him. "It's wonderful."

Jasper smiled at the compliment and approached Cory to pull him into a hug. "So.... I believe we got interupted before..." He smiled claimed the guys lips with his own to 'finish' off their earlier kiss. The issue however, was that once Jasper had started he was having trouble controlling himself. His hands running up Cory's back and back down, caressing as he went.

"I think we did." he replied kissing him back, sliding his arms around the other's neck, holding him close. He moaned softly as Jasper's hands started to travel his body. It felt so nice.

Ok, time for a distraction or Jasper was going to be breaking his promise to take his time and be patient. Pulling back he smiled softly down at the guy, "So... how about a movie? My sofa is pretty comfy..." Yes, the living room was safer, here was far too close to the bed, and the thoughts of picking the guy up and striking him naked were almost too hard to resist.

"Uh...sure. Movie sounds good." he replied, in a bit of a daze. He flushed a little and nodded, snuggling up to his body a bit. "What movies do you have?"

"A variety." He said, though he was only half concentrating on the subject matter in conversation, "My sister tends to pick up some rather... random selections," He laughed, not able to explain his collection any other way. He had everything from Grease and Dirty Dancing, to Top Gun and Doom, to Memoirs of a Geisha and Toy Story. Yeah, he pretty much had everything. Leading Cory to the living room he pulled out the secret draw below the TV to reveal what he had.

"Wow you do have a lot." he said, rifling through. "This one." he said, picking up a copy of 'Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'. "It's a classic." he said, with a big smile.

Jasper looked at Cory's choice and couldn't help but laugh, "Good choice." He said, taking it off him and kissing him... he really was unable to resist... before putting it into the player and moving to the sofa. He patted the spot next to him and held his arm up in obvious invitation and with the intent to wrap it around Cory once he was settled.