blonde on fire

Jake’s eyes groaned awake as the plane rumbled below them, the overhead shaking with luggage, the children glued to the window seats - mommy, look! As dumb as it was, he too just wanted to be a kid and tap Sam on the shoulder, exclaim at head voice and snuggle up with stars in his eyes. But, instead, he settled for the adult version which turned out wasn’t too far: a kiss to Sam’s temple, pulling him close and resting his eyelids against the other, and whispering, “I can’t wait to spend this vacation with you.”

He closed his eyes briefly, resting onto the other’s shoulder when they burst open - the realization just struck him. They were in Hawai’i, with nothing but the humid gaze of the ocean around them, the air warm with brine, the sun piercing. It was good to be back…

Jake kissed Sam on the lips before unloading their luggage.

The next hour or two was blurry in memory. Of the hour, he remembered that he’d held Sam’s hand as they walked through the Honolulu International Airport terminal, stopping briefly at a stand so Jake could buy Sam a violet lei: classic. “It suits you,” he smiled. He remembered once when his friend greeted him at the airport, always there with a violet lei waiting for him. Jake wanted Sam to experience the fond memories he had with his friends here. Everything went by in a humid breeze, and soon they were on the road in a rental car.

It was all coming back to him. The verdant that hugged the freeway; the buildings rising into the distance against the mountains; finally, the… ocean.

“Last time I was in Waikiki with my buddies, we stayed up all night at the beach.” He paused, then turned towards the other, his eyes coated with a thin film of water. “Thank you for coming with me, Sam. Once we check into the hotel, how about we get something to eat. You know, that’s not Chik-Fil-A.”

The first kiss in Hawaii will always be a memory that would stick with Sam. He’d never been out of the country before, and something about Jake’s warm lips along with a completely different evironment would be incredibly memorable.

Sam was doing his best to enjoy the trip but also act as an emotional support for Jake. It was a trip after all and his role was to make sure that Jake was going to end up being able to face whatever he needed, and most of all not be alone. Even in the airport Sam couldn’t recall ever leaving Jake’s side or even letting go of his hand. 

The violet lei was an unexpect surprise, but Sam giggled like a child when it was placed on him. “Thank you.” He said, being extremely greatful because it was another memory he’d be able to have. It was another “wow” moment that Sam seemed to be having a ton of. The people here were amazing, and the sceneary was a sight that pictures never did justice. The vehicles, the buildings, the mountains, nature, etc. all amazed Sam. Even when they were in the rental car Sam was looking everywhere. Jake was the real beauty of course, but their surroundings were a close second.

“The beach? Does this mean I get to see the beauty of nature and your wonderful face and shirtless body?” Sam winked at Jake, “Man, we really are in paradise.” He jumped up excitedly and probably overdoing it. The water in Jake’s eyes were clear to Sam, and he was happy that Jake was visibly happy and hopefully in a different mindset than they were the day before. “Don’t thank me. I should thank you for this amazing trip, babe.” He leaned over to kiss Jake on the cheek, grabbing at his arm as he drove. “Hey! Chik Fil A was a great five course meal. Kidding! I love that idea. Honestly, as long as I get to spend time with you..anything is fine.” Sam spotted an amazing hotel in the distance, one that had to be close to everything including the beach and it looked as if it was a resort. 

“Babe..are we..staying there?” That place was nice, way nicer than what Sam was used to. Sam was in shock. It looked like a building that only Tony Stark would stay in. “Those rooms have to be bigger than my freaking house.”

Jake felt rather than heard Sam’s words - and, even more so, his eyes watered when Sam kissed his forehead, immediately making his heart pulse, SamSamSam. He swallowed thickly, trying to keep still, sniveling lightly. Fuck. He’d given it all away.

It was clear what Jake felt - it was terrifying and comforting, all at once. But how could he say it aloud… 

Rather than speak, he turned the cabin light off above them and snuggled closer into the other, running his hand against the other’s in circles.

He was sure Sam was asleep; it was well near eleven, past it now. Though Jake’s eyes were heavy, reeling between sleep and the shag carpet and white lining of the seat ahead of him, he couldn’t shake himself of his thoughts. Sam occupied his thoughts. The future occupied his thoughts. Mother occupied his thoughts. Sam occupied his thoughts.

The plane ride drawled on, the engine a low hum, the attendant’s carts wheeling past the hour. He was tired of thinking, tired of everything.

Jake kissed Sam once more and let himself sleep into the mold of their bodies, joining the warmth between them.

We are now ten minutes from Honlulu, Hawai’i. The plane will be landing shortly.

Sam rose to different surronding, surrounded by a giant house he’d never been in before. The bed was long, and oddly enough had a bunch of posters all over the wall from France and several pictures of The Flash on the wall. Looking around, he had absolutely no idea where he was but the place felt very homelike.

His feet were soon touching the ground, his shirt was off and all he had on were boxer briefs that went up to his thights. The cool ground cause Sam to shiver, trying to escape the current bedroom he was in. He saw himself in the mirror across from him, he had a beard. It wasn’t bad on him, but he can’t remember being able to grow facial hair.

“Babe, are you alright?” Sam heared a voice that was a little deeper than what he remembered but turned around to see Jake. Jake was a bit taller, also had facial hair along with hair on his chest. For some reason he wasn’t able to talk, but a smile was already on his face. Was this some sort of flashpoint paradox?

“You should come back to bed. I was only getting up to get some water.” Jake grabbed Sam’s hand as if he had no choice on actually going to bed. “We’ve been together for 10 years, you could at least give your fiancee a break.”

We are now ten minutes from Honlulu, Hawai’i. The plane will be landing shortly.

Once again, Sam eye’s were open. This time, it was a scenario he remembered. “It was a dream.” He mumbled to himself, making sure to look at Jake a second time to make sure he wasn’t going to be greeted with a lumber-jake. Looking out his window, he saw the beautiful landscape that was Hawaii.

“Holy shit, this is..beautiful, Jake.” Excitement was the most clear thing on his face, and Sam excitedly shook Jake’s hand until the plan had landed. He rushed to get their carry on, and was holding Jake’s hand all the way until they got to their luggage. The sleep he just had kept him very refreshed and full of energy, hoping that they would get a great deal out of this vacation and hopefully talk a bunch of things out.

“So you’re going to have to lead the way babe because I..don’t know where we are going.” He said, “but I hope this trips involves a lot of shirtless Jake and Sam time because of the heat.”

Though Jake grew his entire life affluent - the Smythe manor with Parisian designer wood, sleek laptops with the interface of modernity, first class tickets to Europe - he’d considered himself far from materialistic. Sure, he’d enjoy his post-brunch fashion trips in New York and pulling up to the school curbside with a Prius, but he could enjoy the bare essentials. Good food, a comfy bed… Sam.

Suffice to say, he was enjoying this impromptu date - Chik-Fil-A had never tasted so good. The blanket was like a cloud, pooling around them as they stared off into the window. The planes in technicolor; the low drone of engines; resting his head on Sam’s shoulder, rocking into him. What more could he ask for. He was eating well, he was comfortable, he was with the person that mattered most to him.

He’d been growing sick over this. He’d been stealing dumb eyes at him, grinning stupidly - and growing aware of it. They could sit in silence and he’d be… content. Jake had grown so fond of his voice - the minute inflections; the jokes he’d get half-the-time.

They were staring and counting bokuh dots when Jake nudged Sam with his shoulder and kissed him on the lips, soft and gentle. There it was: the warmth between them, strong as ever. Jake savored those moments, pushing against Sam for more and pulling back for breath.

“I need to tell you–,” Jake said, cutting himself off. He rubbed the back of his neck, licking dryly. Maybe he should wait; what, with the floor sticky with footsteps and gum wrappers. Instead, he looked at Sam and merely offered a smile, exhaling. “We should get to the gate,” he whispered, kissing him once more.

They boarded the plane. There was medium traffic, every other row with an absent seat. He managed to get two seats in the back for themselves, the cabin light dim. Jake stowed their carry-ons into the cabin above and nestled into the seat next to Sam, putting his head on the other’s shoulders. To think - he’d never been publicly affectionate, much less one to express emotion… but now all he could think about was keeping Sam close to him, wanting to feel his breath on his lips, the touch of his skin. He looked at him.

I think I l… Is this what that feels like?

It was moments like this that made Sam like Jake even more. The little things always made him happy, and he was for sure it was replicated with Jake. Sam tried his best to often soothe whatever anxieties Jake may be facing or going through, but there were times when he believed that he was only delaying it and not confronting the true issue.

The environment around them didn’t matter to Sam, as his biggest focal point was Jake and the meal in front of them. The blonde was hungry, and he realized he hadn’t eaten since lunch time several hours ago. Looks exchanged between the two were obivous and Sam couldn’t help but chcukle every time it happened. Their relationship often felt like a dream in Sam’s mind, one he didn’t want to wake up from.

Smiling into the kiss, Sam was glad that it began to progress more into their usual make-out routine. Normally it wasn’t in public, but Sam started to get more and more comfortable about their relationship in the open. Jake thankfully was willing to work with him on it and progress has been made. His blonde eyebrows raised in curiosity, wondering what his boyfriend was going to say. “Oh shit-yeah.” He responded and quickly packed up everything to get to the plane. Something in the back of Sam’s mind was telling him Jake was going to say something else but he was goign to save that thought for later.

Sam held onto Jake’s hand while moving to their seats, the blanket still being drapped over his shoulders. He had a pair of earbuds in his left ear closest to the window, just to have something going to drown out the noises so that he would only hear Jake. Sam’s head rested right on top of Jake’s, the blanket drooped over them while Sam put his hands on top of Jake’s just to add more warmth.

“Hey Jake, I might end up falling asleep but I want to tell you something.” He kissed the top of Jake’s head, rubbing his hands. “Everything will be alright. I’m here..and I’m never going anywhere.” The tone of his voice was lower, mostly because he was getting tired. Sam was trying not to close his eyes but it was inevitable.

The lady fixed her glasses behind the desk, her eyes half on the screen, half on - “Yeah, everything’s going well,” Jake replied with a faint smile as he pressed his lips against Sam’s, pulling him closer. He took a deep sigh as the printer, dull and on its own accord, chewed their ticket out slowly. The lady handed it to Jake and he looked down at it briefly.

“I was hoping to go to New York or Los Angeles, even Las Vegas,” he said, darkly chuckling as he inhaled once. He bit his lip, eyes heavy on the paper. But it traced back to Sam’s face - how could it not… “There wasn’t a lot open. So… I hope you’re okay with…–Hawai’i!” His expression immediately burst from a stoic resolve to excitement. “Alaskan airlines, the last flight of the night.” It’d been much too long since his last trip to the islands; he spent that short trip with his Dalton buddies half-drunk in the resort. But things were different now… he had Sam. He grinned wide, hugging him tight and feeling his embrace. Warm and - just what made him feel at home.

In his hand, he held a flimsy piece of parchment - but that parchment was his ticket out of here, at least for a week.  It felt like a huge weight was steered off of his chest, the lead lifted from him - no longer plumbum, just deep breaths and excitement.

He took a deep breath to calm his grin, just looking at Sam with star eyes and a dumb expression. “I’m sorry about tonight. We can do a lame dinner date before we go through security?”

Sam held the food in his hand, embracing Jake while being pulled closer to him. He was waiting on a text from his sister or parents asking where he was but his phone was filled with Snapchats and comments on his and Jake’s latest couple picture that was still blowing up. People thought they were an incredibly cute couple, which made him feel warm inside that people were secretly rooting for them.

Honestly, Sam didn’t care where they went as long as it was far enough away for Jake to have a clear head. Lima really wasn’t the place for him, and he needed to be on his own or be in a place where he knows he won’t be treated differently. Hawaii was a place Sam had never been before, and hiding the excitement in his face was impossible. “Wait - really?” He responded, putting a bit of pressure on Jake’s body in excitement. The hug resulted in Sam giving Jake a kiss on the cheek, keeping a tight hold still on the bag. Sam looked at the woman who was smiling. The two had this habit of forgetting people were around them. “Hawaii is an awesome fucking choice! I’ve..never been there before.”

Though Jake had a ton of money, Sam always felt a little bad for him paying for so much. Sam could barely afford the dollar menu at Mcdonalds, which is why a majority of Jake’s gifts were cheap things he’s found that he thought meant something, toys from his past, or crafts he’d been able to come up with. Crafting was a skill he’s gotten better at recently. 

“As long as I can spend time with you, I don’t care what kind of date it is.” Sam once again kissed Jake, rubbing at his chest while waving the food in front of him.  “A dinner date of Chik-Fil-A and looking at the lights at the airport sounds pretty romantic to me.” He pulled Jake towars the nearest seats, sitting the both of them down while putting the food next to them.

“I think I can transform this situation.” He pulled the blanket from his bag, and laid it on top of the both of them. Sam put the food in front of them, and leaned onto Jake’s shoulder while the two of them faced the windows of the airport. It wasn’t too loud, so that made the situation even better. He moved their legs to be more intertwined, just making the situation more intimate. “Just think. We will be cuddling in Hawaii and getting to spend more time together.” The blonde smiled, just trying to get Jake to think more positvely.”

“I promise,” Jake said, swallowing thickly as he turned to look at Sam for a half-beat, offering a faint smile - but with full trust in him. He’d always been one to show rather than tell: in his posture, in the glint of his expressions, in his actions. Lifting a hand from the steering wheel, he placed it on top of Sam’s and rubbed it gently, nodding absently at him.

The airport terminal laid tired with the lugging sound of wheels and 8-bit beeps. Half-drank Starbucks at the information kiosk; thin seat cushions, the edges worn; an intercom on the late night slog, Flight Thirty-Four Eighty-Six to Houston, Texas departs in ten minutes. It felt like he’d only been here yesterday; it also felt like he hadn’t been here in forever. Never was it this empty, the lines low.

Jake went up to the airline counter, pulling Sam’s hand behind him in one hand and his luggage in the other. Surely, it was impractical - and pathetic - but Jake needed to have Sam behind him, with him.

“Any flights to New York or Los Angeles?” He asked, his posture upright and stiff. More times than he’d imagine, he’d lean against the counter and get comfortable - he’d always enjoyed just having places listed out before him, deliberating. How Smythe. But he’d take anything, the next flight out.

“We’re booked, but we can look for more options.”

“That’d be nice,” Jake said weakly. He turned towards Sam and smiled at him. The dumb urge to do couple-y things just overcame him - or perhaps it was out of courtesy; he did drag Sam straight from his room and lead him here - and Jake passed him a twenty. “Can you get me something to eat,” he asked, biting his lip. “I’ll watch the luggage and take care of this. Thanks, babe.”

Jake’s promises were something he took to heart, because promises were among Jake and Sam’s more serious words. They were getting better with relationship communication, and Jake still had some work to do with his motives but improvement was better than nothing. The added touch from Jake was reassuring that he was listening to Sam, and doing his best to calm down.

The airport had a suprising crowd, and the movement of individuals around him was catching Sam’s attention. Thankfully Jake was holding his hand because he surely would have gotten lost. Where are we going? Sam would keep asking himself, keeping it to himself to prevent Jake from getting bombarded with Sam’s worries.  Paying for this was out of Sam’s range, and of course Jake was  going to pay for it but Sam always felt a little bad aobut Jake spending so much money on him.

New York or Los Angeles. Those were to far places, places that Sam had never been before. Jake really was trying to get out of Lima, and Sam was going along for the ride. This was going to be conversation they really needed to have, and as soon as possible was best.

He rubbed at Jake’s shoulder at the counter. The woman’s reaction made him chuckle slightly, as she probably didn’t expect the two to be dating - which wasn’t a shocking thing to watch at this point because most people were. Sam yawned tiredly and wasn’t going to fight Jake with taking his money. “Alright, Jake. Text or call me if you want to talk.” He smiled, kissing Jake on the lips before walking off.

Walking away, Sam would repeatedly look behind him just to look at Jake and make sure he was alright. It was noticable, but he wasn’t going to hide his worry that much. His arms folded together, trying to keep warm while the cool air from his surrounding was blowing against him. There weren’t many places open, and Sam figured that Jake wouldn’t mind Chik-Fil-A - a place that sold chicken sandwhiches and waffle fries. It was quick, and if they needed to rush they could easily  throw them away if needed. There were also smaller snacks he purchased such as chips, some candy bars, and water. 

He started making his way back to Jake, smiling when he ame into his view. Thaknfully he was still in the same spot and Sam came up form behind him and placed the bag in front of him. “I also bought other snacks. Just in case.” He slid the extra change and dollars into Jake’s pockets and gave his boyfriend another kiss. “Everything alright?”

“I don’t know, I’ll figure it out when we get to the airport.” Maybe he was being childish; perhaps he should turn back, just crash the night at Sam’s, and return home with the dust piling on his door handle. Mother wouldn’t care; mother didn’t care. All he needed was Sam.

Starting the car always made him feel like a robot. Insert the key. Turn it. Start the engine. Put in drive. Lower the breaker. Drive. He ran through the motions without a thought, all at once, fast - the car darted into the street in a quick haste. The car went so fast that it knocked over the two figurines on his dashboard: the two Johnny Storm that Sam gave him two weeks ago, always sitting on his nightstand.

Jake couldn’t take his eyes off them as they drove down the road, nearing the freeway. They were knocked flat onto the dashboard, laying there - should he drive faster, would they fly behind them? The thought was pressing.

“Can you make them stand up again,” Jake said firmly. He swallowed thickly. It’d been a while since he muttered anything, just realizing he’d ignored Sam out of his consuming thoughts - it took the two action figures to break him of his own mind. A pang of guilt washed over him. Jake turned to look at Sam briefly, his face static. “How are you doing, Sam?” He took a deep breath, biting his lip. “Do you trust me?” he asked as the car sped up - 78 mph, counting, 79… 80… 

The little things were always important to Sam, and he did as many little things as he could for Jake. Just last week at school he kept texting Jake he handsome he was and how great of a boyfriend he was. Sam was the happiest boy on Earth, and no one could tell him differently. Jake needed him, and the last thing he was going to do was ruin this situation. He could get to where they were going, and maybe relax for a bit before confronting whatever the true issue involved.

Sam’s hand was massaging the back of Jake’s shoulders, allowing the sounds of the road to act more as background noise. The two figures fell in front of him, and already, Sam wasn’t paying attention until Jake pointed it out. It was almost as if a twig snapped and Jake was in realization of the situation. 

“I got it, babe.” He quickly went into repair gear and did his best to put them back in the same spot. It took a moment but with some added force and some prayers, they were back in their original place. His hands moved to massage Jake’s legs, trying somewhat to bring back human contact.

“Let’s not worry aobut me right now, I’m fine. You’re here and safe, that’s all that matters.” Sam was still very confused and slightly conflicted, but this situation wasn’t about him. “I 100% trust you, and it’s something I don’t doubt.” He saw the airport within view, and started rubbing at Jake’s lap faster without realizing it.

“I trust you. I’m willing to go anywhere with you if it makes you feel better. Just promise me that you’ll talk to me about this. I don’t care if it’s today, tomorrow, or next week - but I just want to know what’s wrong. I want to help, babe.”

When Sam kissed him, Jake remembered what it felt like to breath and return home. He deepened into the other, breathing through his nose as he held Sam close.

“We leave to leave now. Just get your luggage packed, I’ll tell you in the car,” he said, eyes falling to the ground, watching his own hands shake. Was he losing it - was Jake Smythe losing it?

He seated himself on the edge of a furniture, half-standing and keeping his eyes half-mast on Sam and the wall. Never did he sit well with his emotions. There was a reason he locked himself away in his room, keeping things private. Sure, he’d been more open with Sam around - they’d spent many nights together, talking about their feelings and life. But right now, all Jake wanted to do was throw something like a pillow against the wall and exhaust his vocal chords… and make out with Sam. He kept silent for a minute or two, slinking further into his thoughts… Concentrate on Sam, he told himself.

He looked up at Sam, just realizing the other was shirtless, and pulled towards him for warmth - in his embrace, in a kiss, in everything. When he pulled back, he bit his lip and turned towards his watch. 9:56. “Ready to go?” he asked, his chest tight.

Sam was worried, but he was doing his best to not allow Jake to see it. Hopefully he would be able to calm him down in the car as they drive off to only God and Jake know where. Maybe he could get Jake to think this situation through, which was partially out of his mind because Jake always got what he wanted accomplished.

Looking around his room, Sam dug out two large suitcases and started putting whatever folded clothes he had. There were several pairs of jeans, many pairs of socks, several pairs of shorts, many pairs of underwear, and whatever he thought else would fit. The suitcases were pretty large and thankfully he was able to put a great deal of clothes and shoes inside the both of them. Sam’s large spiderman pillow and his plushie pikachu were something he always took with him whenever he went on trips and they always came in clutch. 

Realizing he still had on no shirt, Sam threw on a tank top with some flip flops located in his room’s closet. His Nintendo 3DS case that was sitting on his dresser was another thing he took, along with every game in existence and the portable charger along with it. After finishing up, Sam nodded his head signaling he was ready to leave with his spiderman pillow and blanket right under his arm.

“Babe..” Sam immediately grabbed Jake’s hand while walking out, which was difficult with his suit cases but he was going to do his best to give him some human touch. Right after walking out and Sam locking the door behind him, he kissed Jake on the lips for a great deal of time before walking to the trunk of the car and placing his stuff inside. Once done, he immediately sat down inside of the car. 

“You don’t have to talk about but what happened, but please, tell me where we are going. I don’t care where it is, just want to know where.”

for your ears– [ evergreen/broods ] & [ contrails/glowworm ]

His hands were shaking over the steering wheel, the whole car tense. No radio lights dim of VOL 27, no dull sound of the windshield wipers, no cold 9:43pm air - nothing but the car engine and Jake’s heavy breaths. At the stop lights, he’d felt his luggage push against his seat, but he hardly cared. All he needed was to escape the house. Not in a week, not for break; now.

The car screeched at the curb before the exhaust died down.

He texted Sam: I’m outside.

When the front door opened, Jake was there on the steps with a tense neutral expression. Without missing a beat he threw himself at Sam, wrapping his arms around the other. Though his face was static, the rest of his body was wracked high with emotion; Sam’s warmth was comforting - oh, how Jake wished he could melt right into the other and never leave.

He leaned into the other before pulling back into the cold of the front porch. “Pack a bag and a luggage, we’re leaving.” Though he tried to remain emotionless - tuck everything away, Smythe - his voice tapered off. This was so last minute, so typical-Smythe-behavior, but he couldn’t stay here any longer. “I need you to go with me,” he said.

With his phone at his side, Sam heard the familiar vibration that had been altered only when Jake texted him. Being sentimental was Sam’s nature, and the vibration was explained as the same beat that Sam got whenever he held Jake. The text read that Jake was outside, and he normally surprised Sam with visits so it wasn’t anything new. 

A smile was already on his face when he opened the door, and the routine of them hugging for a long duration of time was already in Sam’s mind. Oddly enough, the smile not being on Jake’s face raised an immediate Kryptonic Flag in his mind. The hug was a little more rough than usual, and Sam tried his best to give Jake then added warmth and touch that he obviously needed. He was an expert at telling when Jake was upset.

The cold weather otuside greeted Sam like an old friend, and once the two had broken away he folded his arms in attempts to stay warm. “W-where are we going?” He asked, already starting to walk toward his room in hopes that this was another way of telling Sam he was staying at Jake’s house for a great deal of time. This type of situation was a dream to Sam because in movies this was the part where he would have some superpower and the government or some evil organization was after him - but this wasn’t that situation.

Sam was going to follow Jake’s orders, hoping that the situation would get explained somewhat. Right when the two stepped through Sam’s door, Sam stopped Jake for a second, put their hands together, and he impulsively kissed Jake. “Babe, tell me what’s wrong first? I’ll follow you through and through but can I have some idea of what’s going on?”

There’d always been that Old Hollywood romance ingrained in crescendo. For Jake, those were dreams; and now… they was square before him. They were–boyfriends. 

As Sam offered the figures, Jake licked his lips, his hands shaking, his jugular uneven with S-am–Sam–sAm. The figures were like pearls against his clammy hands, resting there. For a long moment, Jake kept his eyes heavy on them, swallowing thickly and never lifting them. Never was he material. A consumer, sure, but Jake was never sentimental about toys; perhaps it was because he never grew up with them dotted around the apartment flooring. But at the two Johnny Storms, Jake was left without a breath - like, for once, he had a childhood.

“You got these for me? Is it because I’m white and black?” Jake chuckled a bit, his eyes meeting Sam’s with a thin coating. “Or is it us two?” He exhaled and offered a smile. “Thanks,” he chuckled, looking at them again. “Even the costume is accurate.”

For a moment Jake held a beaming expression between them. But a twinge of guilt hit him as he realized he’d have nothing to offer. All he could was a kiss.

He took to his feet and moved to press their lips together.

He wasn’t going to explain his true intentions because it would make him look like some paranoid idiot, and Jake would just think it was cute and laugh. The kiss made Sam’s entire world around him go blank, almost as if they were entering some new marvel-verse. Everyhting felt different, and he didn’t realize that he really liked Jake this much. Seriosuly, he just wanted to make the kiss longer, and honestly do it without their shirts but that was a thought he could save for a different time.

For some odd reasoning, Sam was expecting the worse. This was obivously something the both of them wanted, but Jake was one for surprises. Jake’s hands moving on his caused the boy to blush, and once again his legs were shaking slightly. The nervous grin was making it’s way back, and at this point Sam beleived it should be paying some kind of rent. “We still have time for that.” He said, waiting on Jake’s response.

Leave it to Jake to turn what Sam had said into something better, resulting in Sam shaking his head. “Is Spider-man a marvel character?” He responded, moving in to kiss Jake briefly before talking once more. “The answer to that was yes, by the way.”

Sam remembered something, causing him to dig into his pocket. “I...got oyu something.” He had this item hidden away for some time, it was part of his collection and he really wanted to give it to Jake. Honestly, he 100% hped Jake would say yes and wanted to give Jake something to make this day a little easier to remember. “Since I call you Johnny Storm..I thought I’d...”

Pulling it out of his pocket, Sam revealed a medium sized Johnny Storm action figure that was full on Flame On! “That’s not it though.” That’s when Sam reached into his other pocket for a newer action figure, one that resembled the newer Johnny Storm.

This, induitably, was inevitable. He’d expected this question to surface sometime during the night - if not out of the terrifying feeling consuming him whole, his penchant for Sam, then… out of honest conversation. Jake wanted this more than anything, his stomach tight and hollow at it.

“More than just friends?” He chuckled softly, smiling faintly. Take a deep breath, Jake. He swallowed thickly, smiling nervously into the glass of water. When he reeled back from the water, he just gazed at Sam’s face with a slack grin.

Sam nodded, not knowing exactly what to say. The two liked one another, and Sam knows that he hates seeing Jake with other people. He had hope in their relationship, and wanted nothing more to be able to actually call each other their own. The expression on his face was still a smile, hoping the answer would be what he wanted.

“Only person stealing me is you. Or Batman. It’s possible he could live here,” he quipped. He just gazed into Sam’s face, in complete and intoxicating admiration. His face was as silky as water: as cool and collected as marble, but below… His heart was pulsating.

When the waiter directed them to their table, he merely smiled at Sam’s decorum. Jake didn’t realize he’d been so… formal - was that good? Was that too much? Perhaps he was at odds with himself, tugged between the stiff Smythe ways and… just wanting to enjoy the evening with Sam. And he was - this was perfect, every light strung high ordered nicely, the table’s flowers the right size, the china a calming air. “Why thank you, good sir,” he winked, relaxing into the seat.

His eyes just rested on Sam. That was all he needed.

Who had he become… but did it matter?

As they placed their orders, they made chatter over whatever floated through their minds. School; extracurriculars; comics - Jake enjoyed the sound of Sam’s voice.

His hand was placed under his chin, looking into Jake’s eyes and having a genuine smile.”I feel as if I could somewhat hold my own against Batman. I know his true identity. The Flash is a different story.” This date was going better than Sam had hoped, and it further made him realized just how infatuated he was in Jake.

Sam talked about any and everything he could, which seemed to run on and on as he realized just how long he could hold a conversation. Jake was one of the few people who was entirely interested in what JAke had to say, and it brought down his walls completely.. Once again be brought their hands together slowly, while keeping his eyes all on Jake.

When the words ‘I really like you’ were said, Sam perked up. For some reason, it felt different than al the other times. This time Sam could see that Jake was being genuine, and it caused him to shake a bit with the sudden realization that Sam like dhim back. “I really like you too.” Sam nodded happily to them writing their own song.

“Of course,” he said, grinning. “But we should probably get out of the car first.” Jake playfully pressed his lips against Sam’s, the kiss lingering.

As they exited, the restaurant’s - the Garden - glass doors before them, Jake extended his hand out: confident, sure that he wanted - needed - this.

As their hands linked, fingers slotting into place, a swell of affection began to pool in Jake’s chest. He bit his lip against a smile as a small chuckle rose from within him. Though he wanted to deny it, Jake was a romantic. He was sure this would become habit; holding the door open for Sam, their hands unlinked for a second before Jake quickly wrapped back into the other, savoring the warmth between them.

He smiled through his teeth, wanting to continuously kiss Jake but that would be a better opprotunity later. Right when they got out of the car, he immediately grabbed Jake’s hand. The added warmth was refreshing, and Sam wasn’t going to lie when he thought this would happen more now that he knew Jake was alright with it. The both of them were full of smiles, and he said thank you after every nice deed Jake had done. 

“Hot and a gentleman. Dude, seriously, someone is going to try and steal you tonight.” Sam winked, right before grabbing Jake’s hand a second time. Trying his best to be romantic, Sam pulled their hands up to his mouth and quickly kissed Jake. 

Jake really did dazzle the room, and Sam thought he put him to shame with what he was wearing. There was so much to Jake that Sam adored, and he really didn’t want what they had to end. 

The place was amazing, probably one of the best restaurants Sam had ever been to. This was a place that he would never be able to afford, the floors were so clean that he knew they could probably eat off them. The blonde was baffled, and he didn’t talk for several moments because of it.

“Is the Batcave under here? He didn’t mean to squeeze Jake’s hand, but he did in absolute excitement. Reservations being mentioned only caused him to widen his mouth in glee along with shock. “Holy shit, this is happening. This is...awesome.”

Surely, they’d moved past the stage of getting to know each other - they were far from that, hah. They’d prolong the night over fervent kisses and intoxicating feelings - at least Jake, did. This wasn’t even necessary. But for some dumb reason, be it out of courtesy or formal, Jake had the urge to be… romantic. Old Hollywood romantic: the slow date, dinner for two, ‘here, have a bite,’ and a nice stroll over the cement. Somehow, he’d fallen for the dumb fad of romanticism - maybe perhaps because it always led to the bedroom but also because, fuck, Jake really damn liked Sam.

Fuck, he’d tried to deny it, but how often did this happen - it’d been fast and… right.

Jake snapped from his silky fantasies of what this date could be, what it could lead when - clunk. The door unhinged, pulling open s-l-o-w-l-y, drawling out. And all Jake could pay attention to was Sam’s focus on being careful. This was his mother’s car, after all… but Jake had abandoned that thought the moment she resigned to the Prius. Today... today would be great.

Kissing Sam back softly, Jake felt his heartbeat raise ever so slightly. Perhaps he’d dressed too formally - the lapel was hot over his pap, against the organ. This was real, it was happening - just them two, the rest of the night, in public. Sure Jake had been the type to openly flirt, but this was different. This was… feelings - and it half-terrified him.

Still, the sight of Sam relaxed him. Jake took a deep breath and smiled. “You look great,” he said. “I like your hair,” he said, tilting his head as he planted another kiss.

The atmosphere was already starting off right, and Sam was eager to know where they would be going. His feet were liftly shifting in place, as SAm was doing his best to not mess this up. They were on good terms, which is exactly where Sam wanted it. Sam’s eyes were drifting from Jake to the window in front of him, mostly because he couldn’t stop staring at JAke. He really like him, more than he thought in the first place.

“You look great, by the way.” The check-out of Jake’s outfit happened more than once. “Of course you always look good but when you’re dressed up, you’re...stunning, man. I got to watch out to make sure no one tries to take you home.” He teased, kissing Jake on the cheek while he was driving and hoping it wasn’t a bad idea.