To say that Jamie had rushed his deliveries that Saturday morning would be an understatement, and the mailman could comfortably say he'd never finished his route that fast before in all his life.

All week, his thoughts had been wandering back towards his upcoming date; what he'd do, what he'd say, how he'd act. To say he was anxious would have been putting it lightly. Jamie couldn't even recall the last time he'd been on a date with someone, let alone with someone he'd just met.

He still couldn't believe he'd said yes.

The week seemed to fly by within an instant, and before Jamie knew it, the day he'd been obsessing over had arrived. He'd convinced himself that, now that he knew what to expect with Kevin, meaning his flirtations, he'd be able to hold himself together just a bit better. That didn't make the fluttering in his stomach whenever he thought back to their exchange at his apartment door any less persistent, however.

He'd looked for him during his route and after work all week, but he never caught a glimpse of the other man, though it certainly wasn't for lack of trying. Kevin just didn't seem to hang around the city at all, and it was something Jamie was curious to ask him about when he saw him today.

For now, Jamie was standing alone beside the makeshift entrance to the festival, tugging needlessly at the hem of his black shirt while watching for any sign of Kevin as throngs of people moved past him. He only realized now, exposed to the chill of Fall, and when not running about and getting sweaty while delivering mail, how silly a decision it was to wear something short sleeved. He'd at least had the sense to wear long pants, but in retrospect he should have worn his red turtleneck. Everyone else who passed by was far more sensibly dressed than he was, and he was regretting his choice in clothing as he felt a shiver run down his spine.

In his defense, he'd been far too focused on arriving at the festival on time, as Jamie was nothing else if not punctual. The afternoon was when Kevin said he'd be there, so Jamie hadn't been too concerned for his choice of dress. He was usually so detail oriented, but with thoughts of Kevin and their date filling his head, even he could be made absentminded.

Speaking of, where was he?

Jamie chewed nervously on his lower lip, looking around again. He had seen no sign of him, and he'd been waiting for nearly twenty minutes. Jamie knew he'd said Saturday; he'd replayed the entire scenario with Kevin asking him out an embarrassing number of times in his head, and knew he hadn't misremembered. Maybe he was running late? Or he'd gotten lost? Kevin wouldn't have stood him up, would he? No! No, no he wouldn't do that… right?

Jamie could feel the insecurities getting to him again, and tried to push them down, instead focusing intently on the golden and red leaves that blew past the legs of people as they walked by him and towards the barn. The one he decided to give his full attention to drifted gently against the grassy ground before coming to settle on the water of the pond Lapis and Peridot had made, sending gentle ripples to the edge as it floated serenely across the glassy surface.

The barn… it wasn't the usual location for the Fall Festival. Normally, the festival was held outside of town, with several acres of farmland being rented out to the town by an elderly farmer couple, who would subsequently transform their property. Inviting vendors and putting up decorations, and even turning their corn field into a maze.

This year, however, Steven had suggested - well, more like volunteered - Lapis Lazuli and Peridot to have it at their barn. His argument for the decision was so that the two Gems could become better acquainted with the humans of Beach City. Jamie had met them briefly once before, when the food trucks had been introduced during the city's off season, so he felt it was a nice sentiment on Steven's part. Though from what the boy had told him, he needed to do an awful lot of convincing with the two Gems before they were on board. And if getting them to agree was hard, having Mayor Dewey sign off on the idea had been even worse.

Apparently, he thought that the family friendly festival being overseen and held at the residence of the Gem responsible for stealing the ocean once wasn't the best idea.

But somehow, against all odds, Steven had convinced the eternally anxious mayor. Jamie had no idea how, but Steven had a way with making people see the positives of any situation.

And looking around now, at the excitement on people's faces, and the joy from laughing children as they ventured into the maze, towards the vendors and games, he could tell that any apprehension that people may have had about the change of location had melted away faster than snow in June. Lapis, Peridot and Steven had put a lot of hard work and effort into making the little farm suitable for a festival, and that dedication showed. How Dewey could have ever doubted them was a mystery, but it had lead to him being the most involved with the town he had been in a while.

While all of that was charming to Jamie, and he was sure to let Steven know just how good a job he'd done when he saw him, it did raise a question: what if Kevin didn't know where the festival was being held this year? The flyers had, along with it's proud proclamation of more corn, listed the new address for the festival this season. But Jamie had now worked himself up over the idea of Kevin not having paid attention. His mind was filled with never ending 'what if's as he stood frozen to the spot, worriedly tugging and twisting at his shirt. It was a bad habit of his, a nervous tick, and if he didn't stop he'd stretch it out.

He'd become blind and deaf to the world as he let his troubled thoughts take over, not even noticing when Kevin did walk up behind him, watching Jamie with a look of amusement.

Jamie only became aware that he was there when he felt the hands on his shoulders and that familiar teasing voice in his ear, with Kevin's breath ghosting over his neck when he spoke.

"You miss me?"

Jamie jumped in surprise, spinning around to face him, thusly pulling out of Kevin's grasp, who put his hands in his jacket pockets and gave Jamie a half smile.

"Kevin! You kinda caught me off guard." Jamie laughed, rubbing the back of his neck while scarlet creeped across his cheeks. Kevin was wearing the same jacket he'd had on the day he'd met him - at least he'd had enough sense to dress warmly.

"I tend to have that effect on people." Kevin said, winking at Jamie before looking past him at the festival. He still didn't look thrilled about the location, but he didn't let that deter him from flashing the other man a toothy grin.

"Shall we, Jamie baby?"

Kevin was ever as much the flirt today as he'd been a week ago, and Jamie was fighting back the urge to turn into a giggling mess. Instead, the excitement he'd tried to quell came bubbling back to the surface, brimming over and manifesting in Jamie grabbing Kevin's arm and eagerly pulling him behind him past the overhanging sign, missing the startled noise Kevin made as he stumbled after him.

Jamie's shyness towards Kevin seemed to have died down a bit since last he'd seen him.

Once closer to the stalls and other entertainment, Jamie finally let go of his arm. The vendors had set up on the left side of the barn, on the other side of the little pond (or as Steven called it, the smaller than average sized lake) and just past the exit to the corn maze. Bales of hay and Jack-o-lanterns were scattered all about, and he caught a glimpse of Steven himself making his way into the maze excitedly. Some of the vendors and attractions he recognized from the previous festivals - stalls for food, like caramel apples and corn on the cob, among other sweet and savory treats, like cinnamon cider and slices of homemade pie.

Aside from food and refreshments, there was apple bobbing, which he noticed Amethyst making a bee-line for and dragging a reluctant Pearl with her, face painting, and craft making, just to name a few. The aroma of the freshly cooked treats filled the air and Jamie's lungs as he breathed it in. Despite the sharp coolness as the wind picked up, the familiar and comforting scents had a pleasant warmth spreading through him.

As tempting as it was to immediately head over to get food, the area was too crowded for Jamie's liking at the moment. Kevin was standing just behind him, watching the aspiring actor taking in all the sights, sounds and smells.

"What do you think so far?" Jamie asked suddenly, a hopeful smile on his face. He was still kicking himself for choosing the festival of all places for their date. He just hoped that it would be something they both equally enjoyed.

"It's alright," Kevin said, shrugging nonchalantly before resting his hands on his waist. Still not his idea of a great date, and there was way too much dirt everywhere, but he had let Jamie choose, so he had to live with that.

He'd make up for it with the next date.

"Well, you just haven't done anything yet!" Casting one more wary glance towards the bit of ground where the vendors had taken over, Jamie instead pointed confidently towards the corn maze. The large ears of corn swayed gently in the breeze, with a crudely painted sign placed at the entrance. He recognized the scarecrows and other assorted props Vidalia had worked on popping up all throughout the maze. Outside of her garage and in natural light, they looked even better, and you could see the craftsmanship and love that went into each creation. Even if they were half hidden by corn.

"Why don't we try this first?" He was more than a little excited to actually get the date moving - it had been all he could think about all week, and now that it was here, he wanted to make every second of it count.

"A corn maze?" Kevin snorted indignantly before raising an eyebrow at Jamie's bright smile.

"Yeah! What, is it too corny for you?" It was official, he'd spent too much time with Steven if he'd resorted to puns that bad. Still, the look of utter disdain he received from Kevin had him snickering before he caught Kevin as he tried to walk away, now quite obviously laughing.

"Wait! No more puns, promise! Just go in the maze with me." He said, still letting out a few unashamed giggles. Kevin looked at the him for a moment before rolling his eyes and sighing. A second later and his familiar smirk returned; Jamie became absolute putty in his hands just from the look Kevin gave him.

"Alright, maze it is then." Kevin said, extending his hand forward, which Jamie looked at curiously. Was he suggesting they…?

"Let's hold hands." Kevin answered the question Jamie was asking himself, and succeeded in making the other man turn bright red within an instant. Something Kevin was secretly taking delight in.

"Oh, uh, really?" His voice had gone high again, and Jamie found himself biting the inside of his cheek from the embarrassment that started swelling in him.

"You don't wanna get lost, do you?" Kevin asked, his eyelids falling half mast while he smiled at him, catching his chin with one finger before continuing with, "Not that I wouldn't mind getting lost with you, baby."

Kevin just had a way of making any train of though Jamie had derail, and his mind go blank. No amount of preparing himself throughout the week for the torrent of flirtations he knew to expect from Kevin could have helped him now as he stared back at him, tan cheeks burning hotly and mouth hanging open. He couldn't think of a reply to save his life.

The other man seemed to take his stunned silence as a 'yes', flashing him a charming smile before taking his trembling hand and heading into the maze.

So much for handling Kevin's flirtations better.

Walls of gold surrounded them on all sides, reaching towards the clear blue sky like outstretched hands, and the scarecrows and cutouts were silhouetted against the sun. Once concealed by the walls of the maze, the noise of the outside world seemed to die down, leaving the pair with a sense of privacy. Only the wind seemed to whisper to them as it blew through the skyward corn stalks.

"You still with me, sweetie?" Kevin asked, squeezing Jamie's hand to get his attention. He'd gone dead silent since the two of them had entered the maze, and Jamie was more or less allowing himself to be lead. At the question, however, he seemed to finally come back to his dazed senses.

"I - yeah! Oh, I'm fine!" God, was he bad at lying. But what was he supposed to say? That Kevin left him absolutely star struck, because he was pretty sure the other man knew exactly what he did to him.

Kevin left Jamie feeling like he had electricity running through his veins. It was a rush of energy that the young actor could only equate to the feeling of performing on stage in front of a grand audience. Only Kevin was the sole member of the audience.

If Jamie had to describe what that felt like, he'd say it was intoxicating.

"I never see you around town." Jamie pointed out after a quiet moment, rubbing his arm with his free hand to ward away the chill. "Don't stick close to home?"

He knew for a fact that he hadn't seen Kevin around the city before. There was no way he would have forgotten him, not with the kind of impression he left. Just the sight of him made him unforgettable. He was the kind of person who, for better or worse, would stick in your memory, whether you wanted him to or not.

"Tch, you think I'd be caught dead hanging around this place?" Kevin asked, looking over at Jamie as though he'd asked the dumbest question possible. It made the other man shrug sheepishly, watching the waving stalks of corn contentedly.

So Kevin was more of a drifter. It explained why he never saw him before, then.

"Well, why not? It's a beautiful city." Jamie responded after a brief pause, brushing the fingers on his free hand through the corn stalks while looking over at Kevin, who seemed unconvinced.

He was rather proud he'd held himself back from adding 'with a beautiful guy like you' at the end of his sentence.

"This city is boring." Kevin responded, tugging in the opposite direction than Jamie when they came to a forked path in the maze. The action made Jamie laugh quietly, who was rather surprised when Kevin decided to follow his lead instead. They hadn't bothered grabbing one of the homemade maps on their way in, so they were winging it.

"Boring?" Jamie laughed incredulously at the claim, offering Kevin a look that seemed to be asking if he was serious. "Clearly, you don't know this city like I do."

"You gonna enlighten me then, cutie?" Kevin asked, chuckling at the other man's look of pure determination. Jamie had a contagious kind of excitement about him, and it was fun to watch.

"There'd be no one better to." Jamie replied proudly, adding, "I'll have you know that I starred in and oversaw a play that was all about the founding of this 'boring' city."

"Were you, now?" Kevin asked, "Sounds so exciting."

"Your sarcasm is not appreciated." Jamie told him, but his tone was good natured. "I'm pretty sure that the constant Gem invasions would make this place a little bit interesting. Or are your standards too high?"

Kevin snorted, tugging Jamie closer by his hand until their chests were but an inch apart. He was vaguely aware of the odd occurrences within Beach City and how they were related to Gem activity, but he didn't care about any of it - none of it affected him, so why should he give a shit about it? He had better places to be, like Empire City.

And cute people to meet, like Jamie.

"It's not like it even affects this garbage city, anyways." Kevin said, which Jamie responded in a mock angry tone that he took offense to his statement.

"You don't think the ocean being stolen or a giant hand shaped space ship crashing here counts as affecting us?" Jamie asked, shivering from a particularly strong gust of wind.

"That's all temporary." Kevin replied, waving away Jamie's argument with his free hand. "That stuff lasted for, what, a day? Not exactly what I'd call exciting, baby. No one's ever even been abducted."

Jamie couldn't help but shudder at Kevin's words. That was true, no one had been abducted, and he was grateful for that.

It sounded so awful. He couldn't imagine what it would be like for one of those Homeworld Gems to abduct him. And frankly, he didn't want to dwell on it.

"Well, regardless of what you think, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else." Jamie told Kevin confidently, pulling on his arm to lead him down another direction in the maze while trying to ignore the cold. It would have taken two seconds to grab a coat, but that would have made too much sense.

If it was any consolation to Jamie, Kevin found him to be the only thing worth spending time in Beach City for, now.

(-)

Kevin liked to talk about himself.

Not that Jamie minded, as he found the other man almost magnetic with how he pulled him in with his words. He exuded confidence like Jamie had never seen, and he could only hope he looked as sure of himself when he was before an audience on stage.

They discussed interests, such as Kevin's fondness for dancing, and Jamie explained more about his desire to be an actor, which the two had briefly touched on when he'd mentioned the play he'd done on Beach City's history.

This had prompted Kevin to ask, "So, does that make you a playboy?", which left Jamie sputtering for a response for a good twelve seconds.

But, at least Jamie got Kevin considering attending his next performance, whenever that was. However, suggesting he also come to the next Renaissance Faire, which Jamie always volunteered for, may have been pushing it just a bit. Though the thought of seeing Jamie in tights was tempting to Kevin.

Jamie told him how he always wanted to see a show in Empire City, though he knew he wouldn't be able to afford it with what he earned, not by a long shot. And he didn't even have a suit or tuxedo to wear should the opportunity ever arise. Hell, he'd never even been to Empire City, though Kevin described it in way that Jamie could picture it perfectly.

Other couples passed them by, chatting or arguing about how to read the map. The two of them had even passed Buck and Lars, who Jamie greeted happily. So Barbara had been right about the two going together. He wondered if she'd convinced Sadie to go.

After several minutes of walking, encountering countless dead ends, and Jamie shooting down Kevin's suggestion to just cheat and cut through the walls of corn because that would defeat the entire purpose, Jamie let go of Kevin's hand to try and rub some warmth into his exposed arms. The chill of the air had sunk deep into his bones, leaving him covered in goosebumps.

"Lookin' a little cold there." It hadn't gone unnoticed by Kevin, who Jamie acknowledged with an embarrassed laugh.

"Yeah, didn't exactly dress for the weather, did I?" His nose felt frozen and he had to clench his jaw to keep his teeth from chattering. He expected Kevin to tease him for his absentmindedness.

What he didn't expect was for Kevin to ask, "wanna wear my jacket?"

"No, no, it's yours, you need it! I'll be fine." Jamie tried insisting, but Kevin seemed to ignore the protests, slipping it off his shoulders and helping Jamie into it.

It was soft and warm, with the faint scent of Kevin's cologne still clinging to it. The smell alone was enough to bring Jamie back to that moment a week ago, where the two of them had been at his apartment and Kevin had been so close to him. The memory by itself was enough to cause butterflies in his stomach.

"Looks good on you." Kevin smiled, eyeing him up and down before that playful glint returned to his eye.

"Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll get to see you in more of my clothes."

Well, if that jacket wasn't going to warm him up, the blazing heat in his face certainly would, though Jamie tried to hide his blush best he could by pulling the hood up over his head and hunching his shoulders.

Kevin lowered the hood back down and drew him closer by it, gripping the clothing tightly as his dark eyes burned amorously into Jamie's.

"Why are you hiding that cute face?"

Jamie couldn't tear his eyes away from Kevin's. The warmth spreading through him now made the jacket unnecessary - unbearable even - and he could hear his heart pounding in his ears. The world around them didn't seem to exist to him anymore, and the only things Jamie was aware of was Kevin, and just how close they were to each other.

For just a split second, Jamie let his gaze drop to Kevin's lips, curled up into that signature smirk of his, before meeting his eyes again. It was so brief, but the glance didn't go unnoticed by Kevin. His eyes gleamed with seduction as his smirk turned into an alluring smile and he leaned in closer.

Jamie couldn't breathe, eyelids closing slowly as he became lost in the anticipation, electricity in the air as he leaned in to close the distance between them.

"Hello, Jamie."

Jamie's yell of alarm rang out through the corn maze, easily hurting Kevin's ears as the thespian jumped back, eyes wide as he frantically grabbed at his chest.

God, he thought his heart had stopped.

"Garnet! I didn't, I didn't see you there! Oh gosh…" Breathe, he needed to breathe. He was fifty percent sure he was about to faint.

Once Kevin had gotten over his own shock, the look he gave to the Crystal Gem was damn near murderous. As angry as he may have looked, embarrassment at having been caught seemed to be what made his face turn a deep shade of red, and he was trying his damndest to hide it.

"Always good to see you Garnet." Jamie seemed to finally catch his breath, heart still racing as he started to twist and wring the sleeve on Kevin's jacket.

He still found Garnet beautiful; he didn't think that would ever change. But his feelings for her had become platonic over the course of them knowing each other, and he was happy with that. And even if she wasn't the biggest conversationalist, the two did strike up the odd friendly chat every so often, should she be outside when Jamie delivered mail to the temple. He had fretted over there being awkward tension between them after she made it clear she would never reciprocate his feelings, but there wasn't, and he was beyond thankful for that.

Still, he was aware that there was a particular irony in having the person he used to have such passionate feelings for present when he was with someone else who now had his affections.

"How is the maze? Steven was worried there wasn't enough corn." She questioned. To most, she sounded stoic, but Jamie had learned to recognize when there was a friendly tone to her voice.

"It's great, Garnet." Jamie laughed breathily, offering her a smile. "Steven and the others really outdid themselves!"

Garnet nodded at his response, placing one hand on her hip while gesturing with the other, the gem glinting in the sunlight and making Jamie look in the direction she had pointed.

"The exit is that way. I'm going to scour the maze to make sure there are no other Gem monsters present that could harm humans."

To make sure there were no other what now?

"Steven and I took care of the only one we saw, but we must take precautions." She said firmly before offering the pair a thumbs up as she left them saying, "enjoy the corn" heading off to warn any other people in the maze.

Jamie let out a heavy sigh, shoulders relaxing once she was gone, turning to Kevin. The other man had his arms folded tightly over his chest, glaring at something off to his right. What surprised Jamie the most was the hint of blush in his cheeks.

"I guess that's our cue to leave." Jamie laughed nervously, still fidgeting with the jacket sleeves before forcing his hands to his sides. In response, Kevin seemed to sneer, clearly still agitated.

"Who just walks up to people like that? What was her problem? And how do you know her?" Kevin asked, allowing Jamie to take his hand and head off to where Garnet had told them the maze exit was.

"She does have the tendency to sneak up on you." Jamie joked. Kevin seemed a bit short tempered and impatient, if his feud with Nanefua wasn't proof enough. But thankfully Jamie didn't let it get to him. "She lives in Beach City with the other Gems and Steven. I just so happened to… meet her one day when doing my rounds."

Jamie would never know what compelled him to not keep his mouth shut. It would have been so easy to keep quiet, but after a brief pause, he added, "I used to have a crush on her."

Why? Why, why, why would he say that?!

No sooner had the words left his mouth did he slap a hand to his face, slowly dragging it down and groaning. This is what happened when he was nervous, he rambled and he couldn't shut up, and then he'd end up saying too much.

"You liked her?" Kevin asked. He sounded partially skeptical, and entirely surprised. There wasn't a hint of jealousy in him - like he needed to be jealous of her. Her and her weirdly shaped hair.

"Ha, yeah… over a year ago." Jamie admitted, peeking through his fingers at Kevin, almost afraid of his reaction. Would he laugh? Would he be annoyed? It was hard to know with him. "It was more of an infatuation, really. She was just… breathtaking to me. I even wrote her love letters."

Which he'd stopped himself from doing several times that week for Kevin. He would take this slow, dammit.

"Love letters?" Kevin asked, his tone becoming teasing. "Who still even writes those?"

"So what if I'm a little old fashioned? It's romantic and sentimental!" Jamie defended, finding his worry over Kevin's reaction slowly easing away as his own smile returned. The other man seemed to find it more amusing than anything, and possibly still hard to believe.

Kevin's mood seemed to be brightening as he laughed - Jamie just had that effect on him.

"So, what, did she turn you down?"

"In a way." Jamie said, spotting the exit to the maze. As they stepped out together, with fields of grass spread out before them, along with vendors, neither of them let go of the other's hand.

"She just explained that what I was feeling wasn't necessarily what I thought. And as it turns out, she kind of… is a relationship."

He hadn't found that out until later, more or less by accident. But that seemed to be what really piqued Kevin's curiosity.

"You mean she's in one?"

"Uh… no." Jamie said slowly. "Not quite. She, ah, how do I explain this. She's… two people. Together? As one person? Gem, but you get what I mean. I hope. It's called fusion."

When he looked at Kevin to see if he was following, he could have swore he saw an odd look of recognition in his eyes as they widened.

"She didn't tell me she was a fusion, actually. I found that out a while later." He felt relieved that Garnet hadn't told him, actually. It would have been so easy for her to tell him that she was already a relationship in and of herself, and that would have made Jamie stop his advances immediately. He would have been ashamed, humiliated and beyond apologetic. But she'd taken the time to explain to him that his feelings weren't necessarily genuine, and told him that a real relationship couldn't be founded on physical attraction alone - you needed trust, understanding, and most importantly, time. And he hadn't forgotten that advice.

The only reason he learned she was a fusion was because of-

"Stevonnie."

Jamie froze mid-step, looking at Kevin with utter surprise.

"Wait, you know Stevonnie?"

Kevin looked a touch annoyed when he responded, though it was clear from the way he spoke, it wasn't directed at Jamie himself.

"Two people being one person, right? That's what Stevonnie is. I had a thing for them for like, two seconds, until they turned into a couple of kids. So they're a fusion… That happened to you, too?"

Jamie almost laughed at the incredible coincidence as he nodded at Kevin's question. What were the odds they'd both had some level of attraction to a fusion?

Jamie had only met Stevonnie once. He'd seen them on the beach in front of Steven's house, laughing as they chased the waves and skipped rocks across the surface. They hadn't seen Jamie come up, so when he asked them if they knew where Steven was, since he was always waiting outside by the mailbox when he was expecting a package from the mailman, he startled them into falling apart - literally.

After Connie and Steven assured Jamie that they were fine, as he was on the brink of freaking out at seeing one person become two kids, Steven explained what fusions were, and let it slip that Garnet was one herself.

It was sweet, really. Knowing that Garnet was a relationship that lasted for thousands of years, and that her two halves were still in love. It made the romantic in him swoon at the hopes of finding someone he could have even a sliver of that same level of devotion for, and he appreciated her advice even more. She was a love expert, after all.

"You're serious?" Kevin asked, snickering slightly. He couldn't believe they'd both experienced the same thing.

"Kind of a weird thing to have in common." Jamie laughed, looking behind him. The grounds by the vendors seemed to have thinned out, and at the sight of food, the young actor became aware of just how hungry he was. They'd been in the maze for an embarrassingly long time.

"I can go get us something to eat." He offered, looking back at him. Kevin smiled softly at him, saying that was fine, and volunteered to get them drinks while Jamie got food. Somehow, it was the gentle look that caused a fluttering in his stomach this time. As if the flirtations didn't put him in enough of a state.

Jamie lingered for just a moment longer, drawing out the moment before letting go of Kevin's hand and heading for the vendors.

Talking about Garnet again had Jamie thinking over her words of wisdom regarding the world of love once more as he stood waiting in a short line. A relationship couldn't be sustained on just infatuation, and it was important to keep the distinction between actual romantic feelings and just a surface level, superficial physical attraction.

And while he was by no means denying that there was a strong physical attraction towards Kevin, because to do so would be blatantly lying, he was starkly aware that there was something else about Kevin that made his heart race.

It was the way Kevin carried himself, how everything he said was laced with boldness and conviction. He didn't doubt himself, which was something Jamie admired in anyone. He was silver tongued and suave, and dramatic. Not like Jamie, with his theatrics, but he was over the top with his actions and his flirtations. His entire personality and demeanor, so cool and collected, just seemed to pull him in, and Jamie had never met anyone quite like him before.

What did Kevin see in him? He'd been the one to ask him out, so what was it about Jamie that he liked? When he looked at them individually, they seemed so… opposite. And yes, Jamie was well aware of the idea that opposites attract; he'd watched enough romantic comedies to know that trope like the back of his hand.

He was aware Kevin found him cute - God, just thinking about that made him blush, but was there more to it? In the maze, it hadn't been all flirtations and longing looks. He seemed genuinely into what Jamie talked about, like him being a thespian and having dreams of being a movie star some day. How he enjoyed his job, even if he knew it would be an uphill battle to get anywhere with how little he earned at it, something Kevin couldn't relate to since his own family was rich. Maybe it was his excitable personality and cheery disposition. When together, their personalities did seem to compliment each other.

Was he getting in over his head again? This was a first date after all, and for all Jamie knew, this wouldn't lead anywhere. He wouldn't let himself be swept away in a whirlwind romance that could be all in his head, even if Kevin fit the part of his Prince Charming. For now, he'd enjoy this for what it was - a date. And if anything came out of it, well -

He shook his head, forcing the thoughts from his mind as he put on a bright smile as he stepped forward, buying two salted caramel apples. It was one of his favorite treats to get every year at the Fall Festival, and he hoped Kevin liked them just as much.

Jamie heard the footsteps running up behind him but had no time to prepare when a pair of small arms wrapped around his waist, making one of the apple's sticks slip from his fingers and land in the dirt.

"Jamie!" he recognized the voice immediately and laughed, twisting around best he could to smile back at the smaller person.

"Hey Steven!"

Steven grinned widely up at the young adult, squeezing his waist before he freed Jamie from his hug, his eyes seeming to shimmer with stars. He was wearing an adorable pink sweater with a jellyfish on it as his costume. All the kids were encouraged to dress up with their parents - maybe that's why Sadie didn't want to go with Barbara.

"Oh no, I'm sorry! That was an accident!" Steven said, his features becoming wracked with guilt at the sight of Jamie's newly purchased treat now being covered in ants.

"It's fine, don't worry." Jamie replied. He couldn't get mad at Steven even if he wanted to. Jamie may have been an emotional person - being an actor, how could he not? - but angry wasn't something he got easily.

He tried flashing a smile at the vendor, hoping he would replace what he knew they'd seen get ruined. When that didn't work, he just sighed and bought another.

"I've been looking for you! Garnet told me she saw you in the haunted maze with someone!" Steven told him after throwing away the dirty apple, but leaving enough caramel on the ground for the ants to enjoy. They deserved to have fun, too.

"Oh, it's haunted is it?" Jamie asked humorously, smiling at him over his shoulder as he received the replacement apple. Just to be sure, he kept an iron grip on them this time.

"Yeah! Lapis made the sign and maps, while me and Peridot carved the Jack-O-Lanterns! Lapis made sure Pumpkin didn't see any of them." Steven added with a quiet laugh as he followed Jamie away from the vendor. He'd really only seen Jamie from the back so far, and had only recognized him from a distance because of his side profile.

"Everything looks amazing Steven! You guys really rose up to the challenge." Jamie told him, making the young boy giggle as he beamed with pride.

"It took a lot of convincing from Uncle Andy, but Dad talked him into it. And I'll tell Lapis and Peridot you said that! They're making sure everything runs smoothly. Lapis got mad at Amethyst earlier because she ate all the pies at the pie eating contest, even one's that weren't hers, so she's disqualified." He laughed. "And I really like Vidalia's scarecrows! Lapis and Peridot made a few, but when Mayor Dewey saw them, uh… he thought they'd scare people away. Too abstract."

"Well, if you want a fellow artist's opinion, there's no such thing as 'too abstract'. All art should be appreciated!" Jamie said, throwing in an added dramatic flair to make Steven laugh.

"You're right! If I get the chance to ask Vidalia, I want her to teach Lapis and Peridot how to paint! Then they could make all kinds of meep morps."

"Gem term for art?" Jamie guessed with a lopsided smile, looking around for a moment to try and catch a glimpse of Kevin.

"Not really." Steven answered truthfully before he remembered to ask, "Who were you in the maze with?"

Jamie could feel Steven's curious eyes on him, and couldn't help but find the boy's interest endearing. He was inquisitive by nature.

"Well, I'm on a date." he replied, looking down at Steven before laughing. "Stop looking at me like that!"

Steven had the cheekiest smile on his face, like he somehow knew all about Jamie's new crush.

"Oooh! Jamie's on a date!" He cheered, laughing when Jamie ruffled his hair. He liked seeing the mailman happy. "Jamie's in looooove!"

"Excuse you," Jamie said, snickering as he tried to fake a serious tone but failing, "I think a first date is too early to say anything like that."

When he spoke, he turned to face Steven fully, having not faced him yet as they spoke. Steven's eyes were closed as he laughed, but when he opened them, it died down.

"You look so… happy… though…" Jamie frowned at the odd look Steven was giving him. He wasn't looking at his face, he was looking at his torso. It looked like he recognized something.

"Hey, Jamie, where did you get that jacket?" He asked finally, head tilted while pointing at the clothing in question. At the inquiry, Jamie blinked in surprise.

"Oh, my date lent it to me. His name's Kevin."

Steven's eyes widened in alarm as he looked up at Jamie, throwing his arms above his head.

"Kevin's your date?!"

That… wasn't a good response.

Jamie raised an eyebrow at him, not understanding the unusual reaction.

"Yes… is something wrong?" he inquired, watching Steven's eyebrows knit together in worry as he seemed to think about something. When he looked up at Jamie's question, he forced a reassuring grin.

"No! Everything's fine! Uh, where is Kevin?" he asked, the grin becoming anxious.

"Last I talked to him, he was going to get us something to drink." Jamie said, gesturing behind him as he turned around before looking back to Steven. "Why do you - Steven?"

Steven had vanished, leaving Jamie alone, looking around him and wondering where the boy had run off to.

(-)

Kevin had wandered off to get the two of them cider, looking around with a bored expression. The line had been long, but he was nearly to the front now.

The date had gone really well, so far, and Jamie had been clearly enjoying himself. Kevin wasn't ashamed to admit he was having a good time as well, though only because of the other man.

Jamie… he was like a breath of fresh air. He had this air of optimism about him that Kevin didn't see in too many people, or at the very least, the people he tended to hang out with. He was hard working and spoke with such passion about his dreams, and while Kevin didn't work himself, it was… sweet how much determination Jamie had to make something of his life, and to see his name on the big screen. It was something Kevin could relate to, in a way - he wanted to be remembered. He wanted people to be obsessed with him. He wanted to be the center of everyone's attention. While he couldn't see himself on stage like Jamie, he knew exactly where he was coming from when he described the feeling of being in front of an audience. It was addictive.

They couldn't be more different when it came to their backgrounds - Jamie came from nothing and worked his ass off for everything he had, even if it wasn't much. Kevin was born into a wealthy family and didn't have to work a day in his life.

The people he knew - he would not call them friends - whined and complained about every little inconvenience, and while Kevin was no stranger to impatience, he admired that Jamie never had anything negative to say about his own hardships. Kevin knew he sure as hell wouldn't be able to handle it like he did.

Being on a date with someone who was so vastly unique, when compared to everyone else Kevin seemed to know, was kind of thrilling. He hadn't felt excitement like this since -

No, no, he wasn't going to think about her, not now. Not when he was actually enjoying himself. She wouldn't ruin this, too.

Kevin sighed angrily, stepping forward to pay for the cider and barely acknowledging the vendor when they wished him a good day. He stepped to the side, turning around and -

"Ah!"

Kevin nearly jumped out of his skin, the sudden flinch causing some of the cider from the cups to slosh out, nearly staining his shoes. When he recovered from being startled, and lifted his head after checking to make sure he hadn't gotten any drink on himself, he shot a dirty look at the angry little boy in front of him.

"Jesus Christ, don't do that!"

It was that brat! One of the two kids that made up Stevonnie, glaring right back at Kevin, looking as angry as he could while wearing that ridiculous jellyfish sweater.

"What are your intentions with Jamie!"

What?

Kevin stared at him a moment before his expression bordered somewhere between annoyed and bored, transferring both cups to one hand so that he could shove him away by his face as he walked past.

Kevin could hear the kid sputter angrily when he strolled past, doing his best to ignore him and hoping the kid would just leave him alone.

Oh, if only he were that lucky.

"I know you're up to something, Kevin!" The young man sighed in aggravation, shoulders hunching as he continued walking away from the kid, knowing full well that he was following him.

"You need to leave him alone! Jamie's nice, he doesn't need a jerk like you bothering him!" the boy huffed, cheeks puffing out as he continued to yell at him. It did nothing for his intimidation, but it did succeed in getting on Kevin's nerves.

"Ugh, why don't you just go bug someone else, you little twerp!" Kevin snapped back, turning around to face him, making the child stop short of walking into him.

"Not until you tell me what you're planning!" the boy said, trying to look taller as he placed his fists on his waist.

"And what exactly do you think I'm planning, kid?" He sneered. He really did not want to deal with him right now. He had told himself that he would try and get on the kid's good side one of these days, if for no other reason than to try and convince Stevonnie to go to one of his parties, because he knew that they would make it memorable. But today was sure as hell not that day.

"I don't know, but I know you've got something up your sleeve!" the kid accused. "There's no way Jamie would go out with a creep like you!"

God, he was so annoying! He hadn't even done anything, what was his problem?

What was his name again? Clarence? He was pretty sure it was Clarence.

"Look, kid, it's none of your business what I'm doing." Kevin told him, flicking him in the forehead. "Now get lost."

The boy held his forehead, rubbing it as he whined.

"I'm not a kid! I'm fourteen!"

"Pfft, you are not fourteen."

"I am too!" The kid shouted, catching up to him again and stepping in front of Kevin as he started walking away. When the kid cut him off, Kevin growled.

"Oh my God, move! I'm not even bothering you!" Kevin yelled, clenching his jaw. He was aware they were getting a few odd looks from passerby, but there was so much talking that most people didn't even notice the confrontation.

The boy stood his ground, holding his arms outwards from his sides, as though Kevin couldn't just walk around him.

"Jamie is my friend! I don't want you to hurt him!"

"What are you, his mother?" Kevin scoffed, leaning his weight on one foot. "We're adults, we can do whatever we want, and he can make his own decisions. Without some brat getting in the way, and sticking his little snot nose where it doesn't belong!"

They were just on a date! That was it! But this four foot nothing twerp was acting like they were in some relationship. Kevin didn't want a relationship, not now, not so soon after - ARGH, he made him think about her again!

"Kevin! There you are!" Both the boy and Kevin stopped their mutual glaring at one another to look up as Jamie approached, clearly oblivious to the arguing between the two, though he could sense the tension.

"Is… everything okay?" He asked, frowning at the two, holding up the caramel apples.

"Yes!" The two responded simultaneously. There was no point in getting Jamie involved.

"You sure? Because it seems like something is wrong." Jamie stated slowly.

Kevin had to bite his tongue to keep from telling him about the kid's interrogation, while Steven himself kicked at the dirt, as he didn't want to worry Jamie, or seem like he was interfering with his date. He just didn't trust Kevin! He knew what he was like!

"I think I hear Pearl calling me!" Steven said suddenly, before running away from the two, telling Jamie goodbye as he did.

The actor gave Kevin a flabbergasted look, completely missing the 'watching you' gesture Steven directed at Kevin, who rolled his eyes in return.

"What was that about?" Jamie asked, his eyes begging for answers.

"Nothing." Kevin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Just a brat meddling in things he had no right to.

Seeing that wasn't enough to convince Jamie, he flashed him a charming smile while offering him the cider and taking one of the salted caramel apples. "Don't worry about it, baby."

At the pet name, he saw Jamie's cheeks flare up with crimson, and couldn't help but chuckle to himself. When Jamie seemed to accept that Kevin wasn't going to elaborate, he smiled, though it was clearly uneasy.

"So, where to next?"

Kevin hummed to himself, looping an arm around Jamie's waist, pretending not to notice the way his eyes widened.

"How about…"

He felt like he was being watched. Frowning, Kevin glanced around behind him, spotting the kid watching the pair of them from behind a hay bale.

"I see you, you little shit!"

The kid looked startled, quickly ducking down out of sight.

Had he said that out loud?

Kevin winced internally, glancing sideways at Jamie, who looked more than a bit caught off guard. He could feel his own cheeks burning as he tried to laugh it off, quickly leading Jamie away.

"Anywhere but here."

(-)

"Do you not like caramel apples?"

Kevin looked up at Jamie's question, leaning against one of the poles that held up the welcoming sign for the Fall Festival.

The event was winding down and the vendors were all getting ready to leave, with only a few people left shuffling about the grounds. Lapis and Peridot had announced it was ending, and had asked - well, told - people to leave. They were getting better about how to talk to other humans, they just needed a bit more work.

Kevin and Jamie had walked among the other stalls, playing the games they offered and browsing goods. Though no amount of begging would get Kevin to agree to get his face painted. Why cover up perfection?

Kevin had only caught the kid watching them twice after his initial spotting, and each time had dragged Jamie in the other direction. He didn't like being spied on.

So now the two of them were finishing up their food and drink, watching the sky fade from blue to a rich purplish red hue before heading out.

"Why do you ask?" Kevin responded, sipping the cider. It was spiced with cinnamon and made him feel warm.

"You've barely touched it, and you kept making faces when you ate it." Jamie told him, smiling slightly as he ate his own.

"Way too salty." Kevin shrugged. At that, Jamie snickered.

"How is it too salty? Do you have sensitive taste buds?" He asked, laughing when Kevin tossed a crumpled up napkin at him.

"Oh, and it's fine to you?" Kevin snorted, smiling softly at him. He'd been giving the other man looks of adoration the entire afternoon, and neither had been fully aware that he was doing it.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, it is." Jamie said defiantly, making Kevin chuckle. "I think it's plenty sweet."

Jamie took a long drink of his cider, heart skipping when he felt Kevin's warm breath against skin, tickling his neck.

"I bet your lips are even sweeter."

Jamie gasped suddenly, sputtering and coughing as he leaned over, pounding his chest.

"Dude, are you alright?" Kevin should have felt bad for laughing, but he didn't.

"Yeah, just - just inhaled my cider! No big deal!" Jamie managed in between his coughing fit, leaning on his knees for support. Kevin's words seemed to stick in his mind, bringing him back to that moment in the maze earlier, causing his cheeks to flush with heat.

After he'd recovered, he followed Kevin as he walked away from the barn, towards where the last few cars that were left were parked, his thoughts still struggling to catch up with the rest of him.

"I'll admit, for some dirty little festival, it wasn't that bad." Kevin said, casting a glance towards Jamie over his shoulder.

"See, I told you you'd like it." Jamie smiled, feeling awfully proud of himself now. He'd not chosen the worst place for a date, after all.

Kevin had stopped in front of a sleek yellow car, waxed and glistening in the evening sun. It was probably - no, definitely the nicest looking car Jamie had ever seen in his life.

When Kevin pulled out his keys, Jamie dropped his cup of cider, letting what little bit was left spill into the dirt.

"That's your car?!"

"Yeah, beauty, isn't she?" Kevin asked, his tone smug. "Wanna lift?"

"Me? In, in that? No, no, I couldn't, what if I ruined the interior or scuffed the leather? Plus I have a car." A little run down car that he barely used. He honestly preferred using the bus to driving anywhere in his own vehicle, and was strongly considering just selling it.

"Another time, then." Kevin said, shrugging. He watched Jamie starting to shed off his jacket, stopping him and pulling it back around his shoulders.

"You can hold onto it." Kevin told him, causing Jamie to gawk at him. The gawking was replaced with a deep blush when Kevin added, "it'll give me an excuse to see you sooner to come get it."

"Oh, alright." He laughed, pulling it tighter around himself while his blush deepend. He wasn't going to argue with that.

"So, do I get another date?" Kevin grinned at the way Jamie faltered, his mouth falling open and then snapping shut.

"Another date?"

"Why not? You enjoyed this one, right baby?" Kevin asked, watching the other man nod. "So, is that a yes?"

Jamie felt his heart skip as he tried to contain himself, though there was no hiding his ear-to-ear grin.

"Yeah, sure! I'd love to." Jamie responded, feeling a thrill at the agreement.

"Perfect." Kevin winked, smirking at him. "One catch; I choose where this time."

That was fair, especially since Jamie had chosen something Kevin would normally never attend. Regardless of the fact it worked out in the end, he still found Kevin's request reasonable.

"Absolutely! Anywhere in mind?" He asked, already bristling with excitement. That quickly died when he heard Kevin's suggestion.

"A rave."

Oh.

Oh.

Oh no.

"I, ah, you know, on second thought, maybe I should pass-"

"You already agreed." Kevin's mouth curled up into an almost Cheshire Cat like grin as he listened to Jamie's excuse.

"I… can't dance." He said, rubbing his arm. He performed in a different kind of way on stage. He'd always meant to take lessons, since some plays and movies had dancing, but the thought terrified him. Jamie had been cursed with two left feet, so anything rhythmic was out of the question.

"Don't worry, I'm a good teacher." Kevin told him. Jamie opened his mouth to refuse, but couldn't. Not when he'd already agreed. Not with the way Kevin was looking at him…

"Alright… fine. But after that, we decide together!" Jamie told him.

"Already planning out future dates?" Kevin smirked, leaving Jamie to contemplate what he'd just said while reaching into his pants pocket and pulling out his phone. "Let's get each other's number."

Jamie was happy Kevin took the presumption of future dates well, handing over his own phone while he took Kevin's, an eagerness in every tap of his fingers as he input his number and began handing it back to the other man.

Kevin took his phone, but when Jamie reached for his, he held it out of reach, placing two fingers under Jamie's chin as he spoke.

"Dream of me tonight, won't you baby?"

Jamie felt his heart racing when Kevin handed his phone back, which he accepted without averting his eyes from Kevin's.

So far, Kevin had been the forward one, the assertive one. His flirtations were never ending, and while Jamie was willing to admit he was weak for them, he also was no stranger to flirting himself. His attempts at flirtation were just more… poetic. Still, he wanted to give Kevin some semblance of just how he made him feel, and in that moment, Jamie felt daring enough to try.

"Well," He said, voice breathy as he placed the phone in the pocket of his borrowed jacket before grabbing two fistfuls of Kevin's scarf and dragging him down to his level, eyes gleaming, "how can I possibly sleep when I'll be counting the days like stars until our next fateful meeting?"

The look of shock on Kevin's face, and the way he turned red, like a switch had been flipped, made Jamie's risk completely worth it.