A/N: It's been just over a year since I sat down and plotted out the storyline of Shove Me Into Shallow Waters. The reaction to my story has been tremendously positive, and a few brave souls mentioned how they never wanted it to end or just wanted more. So I began thinking. And thinking. And thinking.
And so, here we begin Shove Me Harder. The characters you grew to know (and love, maybe) are back for another summer of swimming pool fun – along with a few new characters. A heads up warning from the start – Like many of you reading this, I have an insanely busy real life – which will pick back up in approximately ten days. Also, I'm sixteen chapters into my other story, He's the Cheer Captain and I'm on the Bleachers. What this means is I don't know how frequently I'll be updating. What I can tell you, is I don't quit on my stories. Not when they are what keep me sane during the craziness that is my world. Thank you so much for joining me for this adventure. There are floating rafts and rings in the corner. Be sure to apply sunblock frequently and keep yourself well-hydrated.
Warnings: Rated M for adult situations, language and sexy times.
Disclaimer: I do not own Glee or its characters. I have invited some of the boys to play and will do my best to return them unharmed – although they may be a little tired. A sequel to Shove Me Into Shallow Waters, this is an A/U set during the summer after Kurt and Blaine graduate from McKinley and Dalton respectively. In this 'verse Blaine is a year older than Kurt and repeated 9th grade; Kurt never attended Dalton. Both boys are a bit more confident than is necessarily portrayed in the show. Thank you for reading! Enjoy!
Shove Me Harder
Prologue – With or Without You
Rob Bokemeier studied the spread sheets his assistant, Todd Barelli, had emailed him and his frown deepened. March 1 of every year was the official start of enrollment for the summer programs offered by Lima's Parks and Recreation Department – the department he'd been director of for six years. Under his leadership, the programs LPRD offered had seen a tremendous increase in attendance, which in turn allowed them to offer an even more diverse selection of classes, camps, and activities.
Even with the downturn in the economy, their programs held a steady enrollment. Rob worked tirelessly to ensure the LPRD offered interesting and educational classes, hired dynamic and passionate instructors, and dedicated themselves to community outreach – letting the people of Lima know of the amazing opportunities they could avail themselves of right here.
And traditionally, by the end of March, the various summer camps and swim lessons would already been full, or nearly full, and wait lists would be created, as he and Todd tried to determine how many additional staff members, camp counselors and lifeguards they needed to hire.
Except here it was, the beginning of May, and the enrollment figures for the swim classes offered at their main pool were negligible. Last summer, they'd enrolled 1500+ students for lessons at that particular pool. This year, they had thirty-six. Thirty-six total.
What was going on?
Picking up his phone, Rob hit the button that would allow him to talk directly to his assistant. "Todd? We need to triage this issue at the main pool before we completely bleed out and flat line. Who's the pool manager?" he said gruffly.
Todd Barelli hit a few keys on his laptop, quickly pulling up the information required by his boss. "We don't have a pool manager there yet. That's the pool Rebecca Michaels managed for the past seven or eight years. She's pregnant and will be out on maternity leave for the duration of the summer."
Rob exhaled sharply. "Dammit. Okay, I want her phone number. Then, make me a list of the names and phone numbers of the guards that worked there the past three years. I need to figure out what the hell is going on." Hearing a ping from his computer, he had to smile at the expediency of his assistant. Already the pool rosters from the last three years were in his inbox.
"You're amazing, Todd," he said honestly, clicking his mouse to open the most recent roster.
"I have my moments. What am I ordering for lunch?" he said with a grin into the receiver.
"You pick. You're definitely earning your keep today. After – can you arrange an appointment with … Scott Rowlands. He's the most senior guard listed here. Tell him … tell him I want to talk to him about these enrollment numbers and any ideas he'd like to share about ways we might improve the swim program. Also, can you check with Amanda in Human Resources and see if Rowlands has applied for the Pool Manager position? And find out how pissed off she'll be if I offer it to him."
Todd chuckled. "I'll smooth things over, don't worry. But it'll end up costing you lunch for all three of us today. Just so you know." Opening a new tab on his internet browser, Todd pulled up the on-line menu for his favorite sushi restaurant and began planning his order.
"Scott, I cannot thank you enough for making the trip to Lima to speak with me in person," offered Rob, holding his hand out in greeting. Once they'd shaken hands, he gestured Scott into his office and waved him into a seat. The college junior was sporting a teal collared polo shirt and dark khaki pants – comfortable attire but still smart casual. The color certainly brought out the deep blue color of his eyes and the depth of his tan. The cut of the clothes made Rob wish they were meeting for the first time somewhere else – somewhere where he could offer to buy Scott a drink and see where things led from there.
Shaking his head slightly to dissolve the fantasy he'd begun to build, Rob reminded himself that this was Lima, Ohio not Big City, USA where people could be open with their sexuality without it being an issue. Taking the chair opposite of Scott's, instead of the one behind his desk, Rob was aware of their knees brushing before he slid the chair back slightly. Clearing his throat, he began.
"I asked you to meet with me because we've seen a steep decline in swim lesson enrollment for the summer sessions. I don't have a clue why people aren't signing up – and I thought you could give me some insight. You've worked, what, six summers for us?" Rob paused so Scott could answer.
Looking down at the carpet, Scott counted in his head. "Yes," he confirmed, looking back up at Rob. "Last summer was my sixth year as a lifeguard," he answered seriously. He took a moment to wipe his damp palms on his thighs. Really, he shouldn't be nervous, it wasn't like he was interviewing for a job or anything. But the minute he shook hands with the Director of Parks and Rec, he found himself wishing he could ask for the guy's phone number. Oh well.
Rob held up a manila colored folder. "When I was reading your personnel file this morning, I noticed that you unexpectedly gave notice right before the fifth session of swim lessons last summer."
Scott's nose scrunched adorably in confusion. "You read my personnel file? Your assistant, Todd said you were interested in my ideas about improving the swim program for Lima. I don't understand why that would necessitate you looking up my work record." His tone was just a shade defensive as was his crossing his arms over his chest.
Honestly, Rob found his mouth going a bit dry as he watched the teal material stretch across the muscles of Scott's arms and chest. Without thinking about it, Rob tossed the folder on to his desk and dropped his hand to Scott's knee, running his thumb across it in an attempt to soothe the younger man. "I had my reasons. Most of which had to do with the fact that Rebecca Michaels -"
"Sterling," Scott interrupted.
Tilting his head to the side, Rob replied, "I'm sorry?"
A slow smile broke across Scott's face. "She got married last fall. It's Rebecca Sterling now," he explained softly. The Director's hand was still on his knee and Scott was beginning to wonder just when the other man would realize this.
"Oh. Noted," Rob grinned. "Todd informed me she was pregnant and will be out the summer on maternity leave. We need a pool manager – and I wanted to know who you were – in case I decided to offer the job to you." Rob noticed the variety of emotions that seemed to cross the handsome man's face. "Except … for some odd reason you, with the most experience of any of the lifeguards who've worked at our pool recently, haven't bothered to apply. Another mystery," he teased, his voice deepening. Realizing he was still stroking Scott's knee, Rob carefully withdrew his hand, flushing a bit from embarrassment.
For the first time since they'd met, Scott's gaze wandered from Rob's for more than a few seconds. It appeared that Rob was one of those abnormal people who were able to keep their desks immaculately clean. Although maybe, Scott considered, that had more to do with having a personal assistant. "I figured I wouldn't get the job since I left you in a lurch last year when I quit. I've been applying to places in and around Columbus," he explained with a shrug.
"Well, normally you'd be right. But it was brought to my attention that you were one of six lifeguards who all mysteriously called and quit on the same day in August. Now most of my detective skills come from watching entirely too much Law & Order, but that's what my grandfather would call a clue. There's a reason all of you quit that day, isn't there." Rob watched Scott's demeanor carefully.
"Yes," Scott admitted cautiously.
Rob moved his head, trying to catch those ocean blue eyes with his own. "And will you be sharing this reason?" he drawled expectantly.
Scott bit his lower lip and shook his head. "No, Mr. Bokemeier, I won't."
"It's Rob," he offered quietly. "People say Mr. Bokemeier and I keep thinking my dad's somehow in the room." Hearing Scott chuckle, he asked, "Can you at least tell me why you don't feel comfortable sharing?"
Sighing deeply, Scott pinched the bridge of his nose before meeting Rob's gaze. "Rebecca is a friend. A good friend. You have to know that."
"Okay," Rob assured.
Looking over at the wall, Scott stared at a picture of Rob Bokemeier and a young boy who shared the man's straight dark hair and brilliant green eyes. After a significant pause, he explained, "She said something to one of the other guards. Something that was out of character for her and … and really out of line. It had to do with stuff that had happened outside of work. And it all would have blown over, except she said it in front of the parents in the bleachers."
"But no one filed a complaint."
Scott caught himself rolling his eyes in annoyance at the man's presumptions. "Like I said, she's a good friend," he emphasized. "Most of us have worked together for years. Most of the other guards there started out as volunteers with Rebecca and moved up through the ranks. It's been our own summer family. And we all make mistakes. We all deserve a chance to learn from them. My quitting was more to show her that I supported the other lifeguard. I mean, I was at her wedding in October. We all were."
Leaning back in his chair, Rob nodded his understanding. "How would you handle the situation today?"
"The same, Mr. Bo … Rob," he stumbled over the name. "I don't regret the decision I made. It was the right thing to do."
"I appreciate your honesty," Rob remarked. Running his thumb over his eyebrow in thought, Rob tried to put some of the puzzle pieces together. "Let me ask you this: Do you think the reason no one is signing up for classes is because you all quit?"
Scott played with the cuticles on his hands, as he considered the question. "Yeah, I think it could be. I've had families come back year after year to take lessons from me – both group and private. We all have."
"So if you came back, you think the parents would too?" Rob watched a rosy blush begin to spread across Scott's cheeks. Suddenly the lifeguard pushed to his feet and stepped across the tiny office.
Spinning around, Scott blurted, "I'm sorry. It's just … I don't want to sound cocky."
"It's confident not cocky," remarked Rob with a grin just this side of flirtatious.
Shoving his hands into his pockets, Scott rocked back and forth on his toes. "Fine line there."
"I suppose."
Scott ran his hand through his wavy sun-streaked hair. "Yes. I think if you were to hire everyone back – I mean, if you could get them to come back, which is a huge if, the enrollment would spike. If somehow you were able to let certain families know." He met Rob's gaze again, wetting his lips. The butterflies in Scott's stomach took flight when he thought he saw Rob's eyes follow the movement. "I might have an idea of which families you should hit up."
Rob placed both hands on the back of his head, stretching out his neck and shoulders, knowing the other man was tracking the movements. "I'm sure I'd be willing to do almost anything for that information, Scott. But what I really need to know, as Parks and Rec Director, is would you come back and manage the pool for us? What would I need to do to convince you?" Shit, there was no way Scott was going to mistake the deepening of his voice to a near growl as anything but the come on it was.
Erotic images of the two of them sprawled out on a king sized bed, naked bodies slick with sweat quickly filled Scott's mind. Swallowing hard, Scott tried to remember the question. "I'm going to be really honest. I'd manage for you – but only if I could talk our regular crew into coming back."
"We can discuss that, for sure. Right now I don't have the enrollment to justify hiring more than two lifeguards. But, if what we both think will happen happens, then that shouldn't be a problem."
"Um, the other thing is … when would you need me to start? I need to finish up classes. And I'll need to find a place to stay, although I'm sure Rebecca wouldn't mind if I crashed at her place for a while."
Rob glanced at his phone where he stored all his important data, including the various calendars associated with his job. "Feasibly, I could use you starting the week before Memorial Day weekend. We're opening the pools to the public for open swim and I'd love to have you there. But that might be close to final exams for you. Do you know the dates for them?"
Scott laughed. "No. I've been busy with school and water polo – I have it all on my calendar at home. I didn't bring it because I wasn't expecting this to be a job interview. I'll check and call or email you for sure. If there's no conflict, then I'm happy to drive out."
"Excellent. And – if Rebecca doesn't feel like taking guests so close to the baby coming, then you should know that we have two extra rooms at our house. You're welcome to stay with us if you need to." Rob could see the objection rising up in Scott. "It wouldn't be an imposition."
Scott looked like he didn't quite believe Rob. "Thanks. I appreciate the offer. I just think you might want to ask your wife or girlfriend before you offer up the living space in your house."
"It's my son and I. He's six – so he doesn't really get a say, although I would let him know." Standing, Rob moved around his desk and took a picture frame off the wall, handing it to Scott. "That's J.D. I adopted him when he was three weeks old. And for the last seven months, it's just been the two of us and our cats – Downton and Abbey."
Scott snorted before he could help himself. "You named your cats after that PBS show?"
"Hey now," Rob laughed. "J.D. wanted to name them Rocket and Dinosaur Train. I had to pull the dad card."
"He looks just like you," Scott said softly handing the frame back to Rob.
"Yeah, biologically he's my baby sister's kid. She's a hot mess, putting it lightly, so when we found she was pregnant, I offered to adopt him. Sometimes I don't know what the hell I was thinking, offering to become a dad at 23, having just gotten my job here." Rob became lost in thought as he placed the frame back on the wall in its spot.
"I'm sorry, Scott. You didn't drive all the way from Columbus to listen to my life story. But … you should know, because it might make a difference … you know, if you decided to stay at our house …" Rob took a deep breath, standing just a shade too close to Scott, hoping he hadn't miss read the signs, "I'm gay."
"Oh."
That was all that Scott said before he walked back to his seat. Rob allowed himself to feel disappointed for a moment, but then Scott turned around and walked back until he was standing right in front of Rob. Right. In. Front. Of. Him.
Carefully leaning forward, Scott stopped his lips scant millimeters from Rob's ear, feeling the sexual tension between them skyrocket. "It won't. Make a difference. I like cock too," he rasped out before pulling away to smirk at the Director's flushed face.
"Oh."
Scott's smirk turned into a genuine smile. Moving to sit down again, he commented, "So your assistant Todd said you were interested in hearing about the things I thought you could do to expand or improve the swimming program for LPRD. Now, I'm beginning to suspect he just told me what I wanted to hear to get me to show up – and I am skipping out on my Monks, Maidens, and Vampires Gothic History Seminar to be here. Did you, though? Want to hear my ideas?"
Mouthing the words 'monks, maidens, and vampires' to himself, Rob nodded. "I'm definitely interested." He paused and then realized how that sounded. "I mean, I'm interested in you. Your ideas. I am interested in hearing your ideas."
Scott laughed quietly at Rob's inadvertent Freudian slip. "I'm glad to hear it. For the record, I'm interested too. In you. In you hearing my ideas," he teased gently.
Glancing at his wrist watch, Rob noted the time and mentally calculated how long he had until he had to pick up J.D. at his afterschool care. "Scott? Do you drink coffee?"
"Um, yes," he said, his tone carrying his disbelief that Rob would even ask. "College student moving into finals. I pretty much have an I.V. drip 24/7."
"I remember those days," Rob acknowledged. "Would it be too weird for us to take this conversation down to The Lima Bean?"
"No," blurted Scott before Rob could finish his thought.
"No?"
"No, it wouldn't be weird," Scott reassured.
"Oh. Oh, that's good," Rob said with more than a touch of excitement in his voice. "Great, actually. Because I'd really like to hear your ideas. And get to know our newest pool manager better."
"Don't forget your pad and paper so you can take notes." Scott gestured with his chin towards the materials on the desk. "I'll … meet you at the elevators." He might have put just a tad more swing into his hips as he walked out of the tiny office, knowing that Rob would be checking out his ass.
As soon as Scott moved from his eyesight, Rob began snatching up the materials he would need for their conversation and some things he needed to take home to work on tonight, Rob shut off the lights to his office and shut the door. Todd sat on the edge of his desk, smile on his face.
"He's cute," commented his assistant.
"What the fuck am I doing, Todd?" he breathed out nervously.
"You," Todd began, raising his hands to loosen Rob's tie and straighten it at the same time, "are going to get some coffee and tap that. And by tap, I mean ask him about his ideas. Because if you tap that at The Lima Bean, we're not gonna be able to go back – and I'll never forgive you," he said with a wide grin.
"Smart ass," Rob grumbled.
"You love my smart ass, even if it is sorely off-limits."
"Now you're just being a dick."
Todd chuckled. "A dick who is happily married to your cousin whom you love dearly. You're stuck with me, even if you fire my ass as your assistant."
"It's too nice of an ass to fire. The rest of you, however…"
"And now you're just stalling. Go, Robbie. Go have coffee. Keep an open mind. And if you happen to need me to pick up J.D. for you … call me."
Taking a deep breath, Rob started to walk away. "Thanks, Todd," he called over his shoulder.
"Anytime. Use protection!"
Rob raised his middle finger up over his head, shaking his head as Todd's laughter followed him down the hallway.
They had talked so long that both of them needed coffee refills, so Rob stood, stretching his legs, and grabbed both cups to take up to the counter. He was stopped by Scott's hand on his arm. Glancing down, he smiled warmly, "Need something else? A cookie or a scone?"
Running his free hand down his face, Scott shook his head. "No. I was just going to offer to pay. I mean, you insisted on getting the first drinks. I feel bad."
"Don't," Rob tried to reassure him. "Technically, it's company time – so I feel obligated to pay for your coffee. Do you have any idea how amazing your ideas for expanding our programs are? Coffee's the least I should be offering."
Scott could feel the flush spread across his face at the Rob's implication. He could actually tell the moment Rob realized how Scott had taken his comment because the young father began to lose his color. Scott couldn't help but smile softly at his nerves. "Away with you. Fetch me more coffee and then we can talk more about how you find me ... amazing," he teased.
"I find your ideas amazing," Rob flirted quietly.
"Right, my ideas. Me. Amazing. Just tell me when you're off the clock, babe, because if you think those ideas were amazing, I just might blow your mind with the ones that aren't work related." Scott enjoyed teasing the other man. It was pretty clear that Rob hadn't considered himself on the market for some time.
Rob swallowed hard several times, lost in Scott's blue eyes. Shaking himself, he muttered "Coffee. Yeah, I'll go get some coffee," as he walked away.
Propping his head in his hand, Scott allowed himself to admire the Parks and Rec director from afar. While tall and slender, Rob was still two or three inches shorter than Scott, which was just fine by him. He preferred to be a little taller than the guys he was kissing – not that they'd kissed, but he wouldn't mind if that was actually in his future.
So focused on Rob, and Rob's pants, and what filled Rob's pants – Scott didn't notice the slender young man who had sidled up to their table and was patiently clearing his throat, trying to draw the OSU junior's attention. With a huff and a roll of his eyes, Kurt finally nudged Scott's arm hard enough that his elbow slid off the table.
"What the –" he started out angrily. When he realized who it was, Scott's demeanor completely shifted. "Oh my god, Kurt!" he blurted, standing up to wrap his arms around the McKinley senior. Hugging him tightly for a long moment, Scott finally let him go and snagged the empty chair from behind him for Kurt to sit on.
"I wasn't sure it was you at first, but then I realized it was and I had to come over to say hi. Hi!" Kurt paused, tilting his head to the side. "Um, what are you doing here, anyway? Isn't The Lima Bean a bit far to come for coffee?"
Scott laughed. "Yeah, it would be. I had a meeting with the Director of Lima's Park and Rec Department. Apparently the swim lesson enrollment went to shit after we all quit. He asked if I was willing to meet with him to talk about stuff." Scott grew serious. "I wouldn't be who I am today if I hadn't become a lifeguard and met Rebecca. I kinda felt obligated to come in and talk to him. Plus he's letting me share my ideas about ways we could build the program."
"That's cool. You should have called me. We could have made plans to have dinner together," remarked Kurt.
"Yeah," Scott agreed, "Sorry. It was sorta last minute, and honestly, I thought I would have left to go back to Columbus before now. He suggested we come over here to keep talking and that was-" he glanced down at his watch, "shit, like almost two hours ago."
Kurt raised one eyebrow, looking expectantly at Scott.
Scott stared back, blushing. "Shut up."
"Didn't say anything, sweetheart," Kurt teased quietly.
Their staring contest ended when Rob walked up to the table and slid a new coffee in front of Scott. "I apologize for interrupting," he said, suddenly more formal than he'd been since they'd left his office. Here he'd barely left his seat and Scott was already flirting with another very well-dressed guy. Maybe Rob should just give up on the dating scene.
"Thank you," Scott offered, reaching out to tug a reluctant Rob back into his seat. "This is my friend Kurt. Kurt, this is Rob Bokemeier."
"Hello," Rob said with a smile he didn't quite feel.
"Hi, it's nice to meet you."
"How do you two know each other, if you don't mind me asking?" Rob took a sip of his coffee, feeling the burn down his throat.
Kurt's face lit up. "Scottie saved my life last summer."
"Kurt," Scott immediately tried to downplay the events of last summer.
"Shut up," Kurt ordered before turning himself towards Rob. "Last summer I was learning to swim at the Lima Middle School pool. I was in the deep end, and had a flashback to when I drowned when I was six. I passed out and slipped under the water. Blaine grabbed me and was waiting for help pulling me out of the water when I woke up and started fighting him. It was Scott who swam over and managed to get me up and out of the water."
Rob stared at Scott. "Officially filing that under 'amazing'," he stated in awe.
Running his hand over the back of his head, Scott tried to be nonchalant about it. "It's my job. Lifeguard. Life. Guard."
"Whatever," Kurt sassed. "If it weren't for all of you, I wouldn't have my diploma. Well, in twenty four days, not that I'm counting, I wouldn't have my diploma. And if you hadn't pulled me out of the water – at least twice by my count, I might not be here." Dropping his head on Scott's shoulder, Kurt batted his eyes at the college student. "Scottie Rowlands, you're my hero," he teased.
"You're such a goof. You spend too much time with Blaine and Jeff," Scott commented, shaking Kurt off of him.
"I'm going up to Dalton this weekend, actually. I'll tell them I ran into you." Kurt stood up and returned his chair to the other table. Holding out his hand to Rob, he said, "It was nice to meet you, Rob."
"Same here, Kurt. Would you mind too terribly if I called sometime to talk about your experience with swimming lessons? I'd like to hear your perspective, since most of our enrollees –" Rob hesitated.
"Are a tad bit younger?" Kurt provided, waving away the awkwardness.
"Well, they certainly wouldn't be as articulate as I'm sure you are," Rob grinned.
Kurt ran his fingers along his perfectly coifed bangs. "That would be fine. Scott has my phone number – he can give it to you. I've gotta go before my dad starts to worry. Bye!"
Kurt was already out the door when Rob, having pulled out his phone to enter the number, suddenly realized what time it was. "Oh, fuck."
"What's wrong?" asked Scott, leaning forward to drop his hand on Rob's knee.
"It's after 6. Aftercare ends at 6. J.D. is freaking out right now. I need to call the school and let them know I'm on the way," Rob explained distractedly as he scrolled through his phone's contacts. Holding the phone to his ear, the nervous butterflies in his stomach grew to the size of vultures, when no one picked up.
When the answering machine picked up, Rob pulled the phone away and let it drop to the table. "No one's there. Oh, god." His hands began to shake.
Scott's hands found their way to Rob's face. "Breathe. Breathe for me. We're not gonna accomplish anything if you pass out on me – that's not the way to get me to attempt rescue breathing on you," he said steadily. Standing up, he caught Rob's elbow and guided him out of the coffee shop, leading him to his car. Pushing the young father to sit down on the hood of the car, Scott tried to approach the problem logically.
"Who have you authorized to pick J.D up from school?" he asked.
It took him a moment to answer. "My mom. My cousin. Todd. His babysitter."
Scott took Rob's trembling hands in his own. "Okay, I want you to call each of them one by one and ask if they happened to pick him up. Maybe you forgot one of the telling you that." Taking Rob's phone from him, Scott scrolled through the contact list until he found the one marked "mom". Hitting the green 'send' button, he handed the phone to Rob.
Rob's eyes were still panicked. "But what if –" he started to ask, voice trembling.
"Sshh, hon. Don't borrow trouble. One step at a time."
The moment someone picked up, Rob slid off the hood of the car and walked a few steps away to begin pacing. Scott pulled out his own phone and scrolled through the contacts, looking for the number of Pete Sterling. If no one had picked up J.D. Bokemeier, he was calling the Lima Police Department Sergeant for assistance. It seemed an appropriate thing to do.
"DAAAAAADDY!"
Scott's head snapped in the direction of the shout, immediately spotting a little boy with dark hair and green eyes running full sprint with his arms wide open towards Rob. His backpack was almost as big as he was.
"J.D." Rob managed to choke out, falling to his knees before being engulfed in an enormous bear hug. "Hi, baby. How was school?" he managed to croak out, relief nearly overwhelming him. He stood up, arms still wrapped around his son, noticing Todd strolling up.
"I had a feeling," Todd shrugged. "So I called his school around 5:45 and when you hadn't picked him up, I went and got him. This," he gestured towards the coffee shot, "was my first guess. I take it you didn't get my voice mail?"
Shaking his head negatively, Rob said, "Thanks." Then he turned his gaze on Scott. "Thank you. I see what makes you a great lifeguard. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been here," he gushed.
Scott smiled wryly. "I'd like to think that if I wasn't here, you would have remembered. Sorry for distracting you from your dad duties." Shoving his hands into his pants, Scott rocked nervously on his feet. "Well, I have a really long drive ahead of me, so I need to get going." He wasn't too surprised when Rob thrust his phone into his hands. He quickly entered both his phone number and Kurt's.
Taking the phone back from Scott, Rob desperately wanted to extended their time together, to ask Scott if he could see him again, but he found himself frozen. Once again, it was Todd that saved him, silently taking J.D. from his arms and walking away to buckle the boy into his car seat.
"I –" Rob managed to squeak out.
Biting his lower lip, Scott breathed out heavily. "Yeah. Me too. Look, I don't have classes on Wednesdays. Would you … if I drove out … shit," he muttered under his breath, "Next Wednesday, if I came out to Lima, would you be interested in going somewhere with me? Lunch? Dinner? Movie? I mean, we could go to the park and let J.D. run around while we talk … I'm totally flexible, if you're interested."
Rob stepped forward until their noses were almost, but not quite, touching. "Oh, I'm interested. In you. And in seeing just how flexible you can be," he growled out quietly. "And I'd be just fine with doing any of those things, or all of them." Bringing his arms up, Rob carefully took Scott into his embrace.
They hugged in the parking lot until J.D.'s stomach demanded attention. Laughing, Scott pulled away and grinned self-consciously. "I'll text you when I get in to Columbus, so you don't worry."
"Or you could call. J.D. goes to sleep at 8:00pm," Rob explained shyly.
"I'll call," whispered Scott. He cupped Rob's cheek to hold him still and quickly brushed a kiss against his temple. "Bye."
"Bye."
Todd crept closer and watched with Rob as Scott climbed into his Jeep and drove off, honking and waving out the window as he turned the corner. "If J.D. isn't best man at your wedding, I call dibs," he said quietly.
"Don't joke," Rob answered.
Todd circled Rob's shoulders with one arm. "I wasn't. Not about that. Never about that."
EndNote: I blame Rob & Scott for hijacking this prologue. Clearly they'll be a major part of this story line at times - but the focus will still be on Kurt & Blaine and their friends. So thank you for reading so far - next up: The boys at Dalton get a visitor ... or maybe two.