Hey, hey, my Lovelies!
Thank you for all the reviews, guys!
Beta: None. All mistakes are mine! Apologies in advance!
Word Count: 7, 289
Disclaimer: I don't own. I only play!
Without further ado … Enjoy!
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Chapter Seven
Birthday
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19:12/07:12pm
February 10th
2022
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"God, I feel so out of damn place in here," Seth murmured in discomfort as they entered the fancy restaurant and approached the host's podium.
Jacob's hand tightened around his, drawing the younger man's gaze towards him. "You belong at my side," he contradicted with so much conviction that Seth found it incredibly hard not to believe him.
He smiled, blushing softly as he diverted his gaze. "Oh, shut up. You're just saying that," he grumbled.
Jacob chuckled, pulling the younger man the last few yards to the podium. He addressed the smartly dressed host behind it. "Reservations under 'Black'."
"Good evening, Sirs. Table for two right this way," the host replied, taking two menus from the back of the podium before leading the pair into the crowded, busy dining room.
Seth somewhat shrunk into himself at seeing the many men in suits attending business meetings and other corporate affairs. Jacob pulled the nervous man into his side, pecking his temple affectionately for comfort.
"Oh, could we perhaps get a table a little more private?" Jacob requested as the host stopped near the middle of the dining room.
"Of course, Sir, my apologies."
They were then led into a private dining area that was much more sparse. Jacob stood behind a chair and pulled it out for Seth, causing the younger man to blush faintly as he took his seat. Jacob sat to his right, taking his hand on top of the table just as the host placed the two menus in front of the pair.
"Can I interest you in something to drink?"
"Seth?" Jacob asked.
Seth floundered for a second, not having the faintest idea what to order, before stuttering, "Oh, uh, just some water ... thanks."
The host nodded patiently, turning to Jacob as the older man added, "Same for me, as well. Also a bottle of champagne and two beers."
"Right away, Sir. Your waiter will be right with you." The host then left the pair to their own company, which prompted Seth to relax somewhat.
"You've got to relax, Love. These men aren't somehow better than you are. Just remember, it is you who is out with one of the best lawyers in America," Jacob pointed out with a cocky smile.
Seth laughed and relaxed even more. "God, you've got to be the most arrogant man I've ever met," he teased, shaking his head.
"Do I take that as a compliment? I think I might."
Seth just laughed harder.
"It isn't a deal breaker for you is it?" Jacob joked.
"If anything would be a deal breaker, it'd have been your age, Old Man."
Jacob looked affronted. "Who're you calling 'Old Man', Pretty Boy?" he laughed.
Seth ignored him. "As it is, I'm still here, so that should tell you something."
"Yes, that you love your men suave and wisened."
"Suave? You really do like blowing your own trumpet."
Jacob's eyes darkened as he smirked back at the younger boy. "Why would I need to do that when I have you?"
Seth's mouth dropped open in shock just as their waiter reached them. Jacob had to smother his grin with his hand, highly amused by the man's stunned expression.
"Your refreshments, Sirs. Are you ready to order or would you like a few more minutes?"
Jacob looked to Seth, who was still slightly gaping, before shrugging at the waiter.
He ordered, "I'll take your finest steak, medium rare, with a side of your mushroom ravioli. My boyfriend here will take the chicken risotto with salad. Ceasar dressing."
"Of course, Sir. Please enjoy the bread whilst you wait." The waiter then retreated, leaving the two alone once again.
Seth turned deep scarlet as he shook himself out of his stunned stupor. "I can't believe you just said that."
"Can't you? Really?" Jacob snorted softly with incredulity.
Seth paused. "Well ... maybe I can, you horn dog," he grumbled.
"You love my sex drive, otherwise you wouldn't still be here," Jacob teased, causing the younger man to blush deeper.
Changing the subject swiftly, Seth asked, "How did you know what to order for me?"
Jacob cocked an eyebrow. "You honestly have to ask? We've been dating for over a month now, Seth. Don't you think I'd have picked up on some things by now? You do love your Italian cuisine."
Seth chuckled. "Yeah, I suppose you would have. A month ... that's crazy. Doesn't it feel like longer?"
Jacob nodded speculatively. "Yes, indeed," he murmured. "It's been an amazing month, Seth."
The young man smiled into his water glass at the happiness in Jacob's eyes.
Their food soon came and they got stuck in, speaking about non consequential things whilst they somewhat sated their hunger. The conversations on more important matters picked up nearer the end of their meals. Seth wiped his mouth before he spoke.
"So what did you tell the boys tonight?"
Jacob shrugged. "The truth."
Seth was surprised. "Seriously? You told them you were going on a date?" he asked incredulously.
Jacob nodded slowly. "What else did you expect me to tell them?"
Seth hesitated. "I don't know, I ... I guess I thought ... I don't know."
"You think I've been keeping you as my dirty little secret, Seth?" Jacob asked, not seeming angry.
Seth shrugged. "I don't know."
"I've told them about you, Seth. That I'm spending time with you. Sort of to get them used to the idea of you being around before you meet them. Benjamin seems ... wary, I'll be honest. He still remembers Brady, but Demetri seems excited."
"Of course Brady will still be on Benjamin's mind. He's six, right? I'm sure he misses him."
"Actually, that's where you'd be wrong ... He's actually afraid that you'd be like him, like what Brady was. Distant and uncaring. Brady had been towards the end and it seems that's all he can remember of the man, as if it outshadowed the good times he actually had with him."
Seth frowned. "That's sad ... He's at such a tender age; people leaving are more likely to affect him."
Jacob nodded in agreement. "That's true. It was hard for him in the beginning. Now he's just wary of any man that even comes close, even if they have nothing to do with me. He had a male teacher last year at school and he was wary of getting close to him as well. Now Demetri, he's such a happy little boy that hardly anything gets him upset. He'll most likely cling to you, but if he bothers you, I'll deal with him."
Seth chuckled. "I'm sure he'd be fine," he dismissed. "I'm quite looking forward to meeting them. You actually haven't mentioned any of your family whenever we come out, other than the boys of course. Was that intentional, or ..."
Seth trailed off, unsure whether he was treading into foreign waters or not. God knows the subject was a sticky one for him personally.
Jacob chewed and swallowed his mouthful of steak before replying casually, "Not intentional, I swear. Family never really came up from either of us, but there's no better time than the present, am I right?"
Seth shrugged in agreement before cautiously asking, "Your parents? Do they live locally?"
"They live not an hour's drive away from the boys and I. Very convenient, especially since my mother, Sarah, loves to be actively involved with the boys. On the days Isabella can't sit them, my mother steps in. My father loves them just as much, though he's a much gruffer man than even I am."
Seth giggled. "Somehow, I find that hard to believe," he teased, earning a playful glare from across the table. "So they're still together."
"God yes, they are very much in love still as the day they were married. They've had their hard times, of course, but they've always seemed to sail through them if they did it together."
Seth sighed. "Sounds awfully romantic," he crooned, causing Jacob to chuckle around his beer rim.
"Indeed," he indulged the younger man.
"Siblings?" Seth asked curiously.
"One. An older sister. Rachel's married with one young girl, Rebecca. Her husband, Jared, works at the same firm as me, well, the family firm really," Jacob answered with a nonchalant shrug.
"Wow ... Your family really loves your lawyers."
Jacob laughed loudly, or as loud as he could in a fancy restaurant, and grinned playfully at Seth. "You have no idea. I'm fourth generation. Our Law Firm, Black Law, has been in the family since the early eighteen-hundreds."
Seth's eyes widened with intrigue and surprise at that little tid-bit. "You're joking. That's awesome!" he exclaimed. "I bet you wish Benjamin or Demetri will follow in your footsteps, right? Like you did your father's and grandfather's?"
"And great-grandfather's," Jacob added before shrugging, "Benjamin and Demetri's futures are theirs to do what they will with. Of course, I'd be overcome with pride if one, or both, were to follow in my footsteps, but I wouldn't hold it against them if they didn't," Jacob explained.
"Mmm ..." Seth hummed speculatively, his mind overcome with his father, and his prejudice against Seth's choice in lifestyle and career. "So your family is close by and well invested in the family business ... must be nice."
Jacob caught onto Seth's melancholy tone instantly, his brow furrowing in concern and confusion as he reached over to take Seth's tanned hand in his. Seth glanced up and gave the experienced lawyer a soft smile and half-hearted shrug.
"Yours aren't?"
"God no! No, I'm definitely not from around here. More like three-thousand miles from here," Seth chuckled, thinking the only way he could be from further away, within the United States, was if he'd lived in Alaska. "My family hail from Washington, all the way across the country, from a little reservation called La Push on the coast."
"Sounds ... cold and wet," Jacob replied dryly, making Seth laugh.
"God, you have no idea!"
"So coming all the way to NYU to study ... Intentional? Is this where you wanted to go more than anything, or just where you got accepted?" Jacob enquired.
"I've wanted to come to New York and NYU since I was in middle school. We did this class project on the whole of New York City and I just fell in love with this place. I actually got accepted in Texas, Massachusetts, Seattle and North Carolina."
"Scholarships?"
"Partial, which has been a Godsend. I don't exactly come from an affluent family."
"If you got accepted into Seattle, wouldn't you want to stay near your family?"
The curiosity in Jacob's eyes burned brightly, making Seth want to answer each and every question aimed at him.
"I, uh ... don't exactly have the best relationship with my father. It's harder for him to harass me here, than it would have been only four hours away from home, you know?" Seth explained with a dismissive shrug.
"And ... what is the history there?" Jacob asked cautiously, the fear of treading through troubled waters now resting with him.
"The exact opposite to what you've said about your boys actually regarding the family business," Seth replied.
Jacob sat back and regarded the younger man beside him before guessing, "Your father wanted you to stay behind and work with him, not come to college?"
Seth sighed, twirling his fork between his thumb, index and middle finger as he replied, "Yep, pretty much. Any normal parent would be proud, you know? But no, not my father. He owns this lodge in La Push. It started with his father. He's also a fisherman. He's always envisioned me working beside him, but me ..."
"You wanted more for yourself, to see more of the world," Jacob finished.
Seth nodded. "Yeah ... I mean, that isn't selfish of me, is it? To leave him hanging like that?" Seth asked, pleading with the older man.
Jacob shook his head with a disapproving frown. "No, of course it isn't selfish. Well, yes, but for the right reasons. Everyone should be selfish when it comes to things like their future. If you're not going to enjoy your future, what's the point? It's your life; you shouldn't have to please other people trying to make it up. You want more for yourself, for your family, for your life. Some things that appeal to some are downright boring or unacceptable to others."
"Well, to cut it short, my Dad resents me for coming to college and becoming a lawyer."
"And your mother?"
"Mom ... She supports me in everything I do. When she found I was gay, she actually cried with relief and started spouting stuff off like, 'Those skank hoes can't prey on my baby boy, and he can't get a girl pregnant by accident, and I can talk boys with him all I want!' God, she loves the fact that I'm gay more than anything and anyone," he laughed, shaking his head as he smiled fondly, thinking of him scatterbrained mother.
"And your father?"
"Ah ... well, let's just say he was anything but enthusiastic."
"There aren't many fathers who can deal with that, especially if you're their only son or if they're 'set in their ways.' My father is one of the minority that fully embraced it. I'm sorry you didn't have your father's support."
Seth nodded. "Yeah, me too. But my mom more than made up for it, as did my older sister, Leah. God, this one time, Leah actually sat down with me to watch gay porn," Seth announced at precisely the wrong moment.
Beer sprayed across the table, Seth jerking back in his seat to avoid the majority of the spray as he gaped towards his lover. Laughter bubbled up in his chest at Jacob's stunned and somewhat mortified expression as he absently mopped up the beer he'd spat out. The blush across his cheeks was extremely endearing, especially since Seth knew the extent of this man's sexual prowess.
One mention of gay porn and he's a gaping, speechless idiot. Go figure.
"Excuse me?" Jacob gasped, wiping his mouth.
Seth suppressed his giggle. "Yeah, Leah sat with me to watch gay porn when I was like, fifteen and she 18. She was as cool as a cucumber, eating popcorn in her lap and her eyes glued to the TV whilst I sat beside her, pillow over my face with my eyes curiously peeking over the top and blushing riper than a tomato."
"Your sister sounds ..."
"Crazy. Nothing really affects her much," Seth chuckled. He then gestured to the table, "Sorry for surprising you."
Jacob chuckled, shaking his head. "No worries. You just caught me a little off guard there. Not something easily done."
"I'll make sure to note it in my portfolio of achievements," Seth quipped, earning a wry smile from his lover.
"Well, I'm sure that will go over well with any potential employers. Now you're quite done with the shocking announcements and anecdotes, would you like to order some dessert?" Jacob asked, replacing a clean napkin beside his plate.
Seth smiled and nodded. "Oh yeah, my favourite part of any meal," he revealed happily.
"I'll keep that in mind," Jacob noted before flagging their waiter down.
He appeared beside them not a second later. "Sir?"
"We're ready to order dessert, and could we get some fresh water and beers, please?" Jacob requested.
"Of course, Sir. Shall I take your order first?"
"Seth?"
He blushed and quietly ordered, "I'll take any sort of cheesecake. Surprise me."
The waiter smiled at the challenge and nodded. "And for you, Sir?"
"I'll take the strawberries and vanilla ice cream, thank you."
"Right away, Sir."
The waiter left and they were once again by themselves for the moment.
"So tell me about your home. What was your childhood like?" Jacob asked as he leaned forward with intrigue.
Seth blushed and shrugged. "Well, it's Washington, so it was pretty much raining every day," he started. "But when it wasn't, my sister and I were usually down at the beach in the surf or combing for sea shells. We had the hearty collection back then. When it was raining, you could usually find me in the kitchen with my mom, baking and such. I loved helping her."
"Ah, really?" Jacob hedged with intrigue. "You'll have to show me everything she taught you some time."
Seth grinned. "It'd be my pleasure. It's been a while since I baked anything. But anyway, I think it's safe to say my childhood was pretty happy and fulfilling. Our community is so small, so everyone kinda knew each other. I grew up with my best friends Quil and Collin, but we sorta grew apart as soon as college hit. They're in North California together."
"Together?"
"Together. Yeah, I have two gay best friends," Seth chuckled.
"Was that weird?"
"Not really. We were all friends first and foremost so they never really excluded me. Besides, Quil wasn't really one for public displays of affection so they were always reeled in somewhat," he explained. "I guess things went to shit with my father in middle school, like I said. I told him I wanted to move to New York City and go to college there and he completely blew up. I was wary around him after that."
"Sirs? Your desserts," the waiter interrupted with a small, sheepish smile as he set their dishes in front of them. "I was unaware of any allergies you have, but I hope this choice is acceptable."
Seth peered down at his cheesecake, his mouth watering. "Wow, yeah, this looks delicious, thank you," he replied, trying his best not to dig right in like some pig.
Summer berries and pecan cheesecake with light chocolate drizzle on top ... yum!
"Enjoy," was the waiter's parting word as he disappeared.
"I admit, I'm slightly jealous," Jacob said, eyeing Seth's dessert.
Seth smirked, his fork halfway to his mouth as it changed direction. Jacob cocked an eyebrow at his lover as he opened his mouth and accepted the proffered delicacy. Seth's belly swirled dangerously as he watched Jacob's lips mould around the fork. He'd never seen something so erotic as Jacob's eyes rolling back into his head with delight.
He cleared his throat, squirming in his chair slightly as his pant tightened somewhat, as he asked, "Nice?"
"Sinfully delicious," Jacob purred, eyes opening to catch Seth's.
"Mmm," Seth squeaked, jerking as Jacob's hand squeezed the inside of his thigh, just below his crotch.
"Jesus, not here," Seth moaned quietly, eyes dark with lust.
"Enjoy the show, did you?" Jacob teased with a devilish smirk that made Seth blush. Jacob then pulled his hand back, dragging his nail softly against the sensitive skin before replacing his hand back onto the table.
Seth was in a slight daze, his cock twitching from the stimulation. "You're an evil man," he breathed, closing his eyes to find some form of composure.
"Perhaps later I can show you what else my mouth can do," Jacob murmured seductively.
Seth could only whimper, having already divulged in that sweet torture many, many times.
"I'm going to order a slice for myself, I think. Share the ice cream with me first?" Jacob requested, pushing the dish between them slightly.
Seth nodded eagerly and blushed as Jacob brought his own spoon to seth's mouth. He enticed the same reaction from his lover, and Seth didn't even have to do all the groping. He smirked smugly and took his own bite whilst watching Jacob regain his composure.
"Not nice, is it?" Seth taunted.
Jacob smirked. "Depends on your definition of 'nice.'"
Seth chuckled. They quickly polished off the ice cream between them and then Jacob ordered a piece of cheesecake for himself. They ate in companionable silence, feeding each other a few more bites and finishing off the beers before ordering a couple more.
Seth couldn't help but notice something wash over jacob's expression, something akin to speculation and curiosity, as well as some nervousness that confused Seth slightly. Jacob had been the epitome of cool and collected all evening, barring the gay porn and ice cream incidents, so Seth was unsure as to what brought it all on. He thankfully didn't have to wait long as Jacob turned more towards him, determination on his face as he looked like he wanted to say something.
"Seth, I was thinking," he began, swallowing thickly.
Seth chuckled. "Careful, that can be dangerous," he teased, easing the tension out of the atmosphere.
Jacob chuckled softly, sending his lover a grateful smile before sat up straighter, showing signs of his returning confidence that Seth loved so much.
"As I was saying, I was thinking that I wanted to do something with you."
Seth hesitated. "Okay ... Isn't that the whole purpose of tonight?" he chuckled in confusion.
Jacob sighed. "That didn't come out right ... No, it's a big step, but I care deeply for you and have gotten to know you so personally. I like what I've found out. I can envision you in my bed every night, in my kitchen every morning and in my arms every evening in front of the TV. I can ... imagine you with my boys, playing with them and helping Benjamin with his homework ... but only if you want to."
"I wouldn't be here with you if I didn't want all of that," Seth whispered, overcome with his own nerves as he tried to envision where this conversation was going.
He had an idea ... and it scared the crap out of him.
"What ... was this thing you wanted to do?" he asked shakily.
Jacob took a deep breath, grasping Seth's hands tightly in his as he replied, "It's something at my home."
"But ... your boys are home," Seth whispered, looking down.
Jacob's finger crooked under his chin, lifting his face upward until their gazes 's burned with desire, but not the sexual kind, as he replied, "Exactly ... If you're agreeable ... I would love it if you met my boys this evening."
Seth sucked a breath in sharply, his body exploding into excited goosebumps even though his stomach twisted into knots. He bit his lips, scanning Jacob's expression critically, but the older man was deadly serious. He truly wanted to take that step, and take their relationship to the next level.
There's only one word that came to mind ...
"Yes."
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20:33/08:33pm
February 10th
2022
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"Jacob ..." Seth breathed shakily, drawing the older man's gaze to his after they stepped out of Jacob's sleek car.
"Yes?"
"Do you ... think this is a good idea? I mean ... are we ready for this?" he asked hesitantly.
Jacob's sharp gaze roamed over Seth's terrified face. He turned and took the younger man into his arms, forcing him to peer up into his eyes.
"The question should be 'are you ready for this?' I won't force you into meeting them if you're not ready, Seth. It was only a suggestion, not some stipulation. We can take this as slow as you want."
Seth rolled his eyes. "If we go any slower, we'd be going backwards, which is the last thing I want ... No, I want to meet them, believe me, I do, but ..."
"You're nervous," Jacob finished knowingly.
Seth nodded.
"Seth, it's okay to be nervous. It's completely understandable. You don't think I am? I'm about to bring a new person into their lives that could potentially hurt them someday," he pointed out.
Seth looked indignant. "Of course I wouldn't ever hurt the-"
"I know. All I'm saying is, I wouldn't bring you into their lives if I wasn't one hundred percent committed to you. If I wasn't sure about you, I would never subject them to the potential heartbreak of you leaving eventually."
"You ... want to do this then? 'Us?'" Seth whispered self-consciously. "You haven't ... changed your mind or ... realised I'm more trouble than I'm worth?"
Jacob smiled patiently, cupping Seth's face tenderly in his hands as he murmured, "You self-conscious, silly, beautiful man ... haven't you heard a word I've said?" he asked in amusement. "I said, I wouldn't be doing this unless I was completely committed to you. You are worth every second of my time. Seth ..."
Seth waited as Jacob seemed to gather his thoughts somewhat, wishing above all else that whatever he was about to say wasn't something bad. Why else would it be hard to say? Biting his lip, he wanted nothing more than to be looking into the man's eyes so that he could read the emotions raging behind his every thought.
As it was, Jacob's gaze was diverted, bringing with it a great frustration to Seth.
"Seth, I ..." once again he trailed off before summoning some courage and continuing, "I care deeply for you, Seth. Very deeply. I ... I'm well on my way to falling in love with you."
Seth's breath hitched at this admission, eyes widening as he gaped at the older man in front of him. He knew how he himself felt, how he was falling for Jacob, but he never imagined that this wonderful man could ever fall in love with him. Seth's eyes fluttered closed as Jacob leaned in for a brief, soft, tender kiss, his hand stroking Seth's baby soft face.
"You are very special to me, even more so than you were over a month ago," Jacob breathed against soft lips. "I want you as part of my life, all of it. That includes my children. Say the word now and i'll take you home; we'll try this some other time, but ... I really want you to meet them tonight."
"Okay," Seth breathed softly. "Like I said ... I want to. I'm just nervous. What if they can't stand me?"
"That would be unfortunate, and it would mean I couldn't continue seeing you as they are my life," he admitted, so painfully honest that it made Seth cringe a little. Jacob went on to sooth some of the sting his words caused. "But if I know my children like I'm certain I do, they will love you just as I'm beginning to."
Seth's heart melted at the words. He'd never felt so vulnerable in his life, but he knew that if he didn't take this leap now then he'd regret it come tomorrow. He peered up into Jacob's face and nodded firmly.
"Let's do this. Introduce me to your boys, Jacob," he ordered with more confidence he was truly feeling. Inside, he was still terrified out of his mind.
Jacob smiled softly and nodded, taking Seth's hand in his as they walked up the driveway. The lights in the house were on, including a couple of the upstairs ones. Seth wondered if they were about to interrupt some sort of bedtime ritual, and also if Bella would be annoyed with them. Then he realised that he was standing with their father and her boss.
Jacob took out his keys and unlocked the front door. As Seth suspected, the lower floor seemed deserted, and he could hear soft giggles coming from upstairs. He smiled as he then heard Bella's voice, which seemed to get louder as she got closer to the top of the stairs.
Bella was surprised to see her best friend and her boss staring back at her, a smile taking over her face when she took in the happy spark in Seth's eyes.
"Hey, you two. Did you have a nice dinner?" she asked as she descended some of the stairs.
"Isabella, would you please gather my children in the sitting room?" Jacob requested, surprising Seth somewhat with the professional tone he used with her.
She smiled unperturbed as she nodded. "Of course, just one minute. I was about to put them to bed though ..."
"It's alright. If you'd like, I'll put them to bed. You can go home a little earlier tonight," Jacob offered with a kind smile.
"Oh, thank you, Mr. Black. That would be awesome. I'll meet you in the sitting room with the boys then," she told him, jogging up the stairs she'd descended before disappearing around the corner.
Seth's hand tightened around Jacob's instinctually. He was moments away from meeting two little boys that were going to change his life significantly. He was about to take his relationship with this sexy businessman to the next level. He was scared out of his mind, and he was sure that it showed on his face.
"You'll do fine, Love," was murmured into his ear as Jacob led him towards another room.
He sat down shakily on the brown leather sofa in the sitting room, wringing his hands in his laps as he counted down the seconds and listened attentively for the patter of feet heading towards them. Jacob took a seat beside him, a hand resting comfortingly on the younger man's back.
"God, they're going to hate me," Seth fretted, burying his head in his hands.
Before Jacob could tell the man he was completely ridiculous, two boisterous hollers, one louder than the other, came racing through the hall, accompanied by the prattling of feet Seth was dreading. The younger man froze while the older one rose to his feet, crouching in time to catch his oldest son in his arms.
"Daddy, you came home before we had to go to sleep! You said you wouldn't be!" Benjamin exclaimed excitedly as he hung from around Jacob's neck.
"I know, Benny, and I wasn't expecting to be, but I've brought someone to meet you," Jacob revealed, noting the stiff posture of his love sat on the sofa.
A second after Benjamin's appearance, Bella came in holding Demetri's small hand. As soon as the toddler spotting his father, he ran as fast and as steady as his little feet could carry him, crashing into one of Jacob's pant-clad legs as well as Seth's.
Demetri looked up at the mysterious new man as he gasped in shock, not having expected the contact from the toddler.
"Hide face?" Demetri babbled, smacking Seth's knees slightly as his curiosity got the best of him.
Jacob turned and watched the young toddler avidly. He seemed extremely interested in the mysterious man, eyes alive with curiosity as always. Seth still hid his face behind his hands but had opened his legs slightly, allowing the toddler to force himself closer for a better look. Demetri's hands lifted to pat Seth's forearms as he continued to babble nonsense.
Jacob glanced at Benjamin as the little boy was also watching his lover with interest, but the wary kind. He leaned into Jacob's ear, eyes still on Seth, and whispered, "Who is he, Daddy?"
Jacob stepped away slightly from his lover and youngest son so that the former wouldn't overhear, though he was too preoccupied with trying to hide from the small toddler. He then replied softly, "You remember the man I spoke to you about? Seth?"
"Seth, who you went to dinner with all the time? The one who you said would meet us someday if you liked him?"
Jacob nodded. "Yes, that Seth. Well, I brought him here to meet you and Demetri. See, I want him to stick around a lot more, so that would mean you'd see him a lot more at the house and other places too."
"Is he nice?" Benjamin whispered frightenedly.
Jacob smiled. "Very nice. He was actually very scared of meeting you," he whispered back, unable to hide his amusement.
Benjamin's eyes widened in surprise. "He was? But why? I'm not scary," he replied in confusion.
"He feared that maybe you wouldn't like him. That you'd tell him to go away."
"But ... I wouldn't do that. Dem likes him," he commented, prompting the two fo them to glance back at the others in the room.
Demetri had somehow sat himself on one of Seth's thighs and was outright tapping his hands now, though Seth continued to be shy. Jacob smiled at the adorable display.
"You're smiling ... You like him?" Benjamin asked hesitantly, eyeing Seth with a little more than wariness.
Jacob nodded. "Very, very much."
"And he won't leave?"
"I wouldn't have brought him here if I thought he would. He likes me just as much as like him, so I think he'll want to stick around for a very long time," he explained.
"I guess I could talk to him ... if he wants to."
"He does, Benny. He's just afraid. You might have to make the first move," he suggested to his son, placing him back down on his feet.
Benjamin lingered around Jacob's legs, watching his little brother try to get through to the new man.
"Daddy, hide face?" Demetri asked in confusion over his shoulder, his scrunched up brow aimed towards Jacob.
"Seth, Love," Jacob called softly.
Seth peeked through his fingers at the older man. "Hmm?"
Demetri started to clap. "Yay! Peekin'!" he shouted, giggling.
Seth couldn't help but smile behind his hands at the adorable display in front of him. Very cautiously, as if the young toddler would reach out and strike him, he lowered his hands to his lap and smiled tentatively at Demetri.
"H-hello, my name is Seth," he introduced softly.
What did he do? Offer a two year old his hand or risk asking for a hug? Surely he wouldn't accept one from a stranger, and that would embarrass Seth even more to be rejected in front of the kid's father. But demetri was already sat in his lap, so he didn't think the toddler was bothered about boundaries.
"'Metri," Demetri replied easily as he pointed to himself. "My name 'Metri."
"I know, Demetri. Your Daddy has told me so much about you," Seth replied gently.
"Read story? Bedtime?" Demetri asked hopefully, his eyes alight with hope and happiness.
Seth was stunned slightly by the sheer magnitude of acceptance radiating off the small boy who had his hands braced on either of Seth's knees and bouncing in front of him. Jacob caught his gaze and smiled knowingly, causing Seth to grin in relief.
"I would love to read you a story, Demetri ... any story you want," he agreed gently, excited by the prospect. He'd never read to a child before. The idea was completely foreign but very appealing to Seth.
He laughed gleefully as Demetri began to jump up and down on his lap, clapping loudly as he chanted, 'story, story, story!' Then the little boy did something that touched Seth's heart completely; he turned and threw his tiny arms around his neck, embracing him as tight as he possibly could. Seth's arms wrapped around the small child instinctively as a bright, tender smile spread across his face.
Demetri peered up at him with a big, toothy grin before he snuggled down into his chest, causing warm to spread through his entire being.
"Pomise, story?" Demetri asked again.
Seth nodded, "Yes, of course I promise. As soon as you're ready," he replied.
"Do you love my Daddy?" Benjamin asked suddenly, drawing Seth's stunned gaze towards the older boy.
Jacob's eyes were wide as he peered down at his son. "Benjamin, it isn't fair to-"
"Yes," Seth answered, catching Jacob completely off guard.
Instead of looking at the boy, Seth looked to his father, whose eyes were trained intently on his. Seth hoped that the older man could see the magnitude of his love and respect shining in his eyes.
"Yes, I love your daddy," Seth breathed emotionally, feeling like a huge glob of goo had lodged itself in his throat.
"Why?" Benjamin asked curiously.
"Because he's a good man. He's smart, funny and handsome. He has two of the most adorable boys I've ever met and ... I hope you guys like me so he'll keep me around."
"I like," Demetri murmured, drawing everyone's gaze to his droopy-eyed face.
"If you like my Daddy, and my Daddy likes you ... then I can like you too," Benjamin whispered before turning his head shyly into Jacob's leg.
Relief coursed through Seth like a waterfall and his arms tightened around the toddler in his lap as a response. He smiled up at Jacob, who was grinning back.
"Daddy, can I go to bed now?" Benjamin whispered into his father's pant leg, prompting the older man to pick the small boy back up
"Of course. Looks like Demetri will have to wait for another night for his story," Jacob chuckled, smiling down at the sleeping toddler in Seth's arms.
"I could ... put him to bed? If you wanted? If it'll make things a little easier?" Seth more like requested as he gazed apprehensively at his lover.
"I'll show you the way," Jacob replied, turning towards the stairs.
Seth stood carefully, manoeuvring the small boy in his arms to a more manageable position before following after the duo. He marvelled at the warm resting against his chest. He was surprised by the protectiveness that swelled up inside of him as he carried the tiny boy.
For the first time in his life, Seth experienced what it felt like to actually be a parent, if he could call himself such in that moment. But anyway, this small toddler was depending on him and his father to protect and care for him, to love him, and the massive responsibility wasn't lost on Seth.
He found he wanted to fully embrace it. He'd never truly given thought to having kids, but holding Demetri in his arms, being all vulnerable and dependant, was like a slap in the face. He wanted all of this. The lump in his throat returned at the revelation, his tear ducts swelling with emotion. He was grateful that Jacob was in front of him. The last thing he wanted was the older man seeing the state of him.
"This is your stop," Jacob whispered, glancing over his shoulder as he opened the door to Demetri's nursery.
Seth smiled as it was exactly as he remembered seeing the first time round. After meeting the cheeky little boy, Seth thought the monkey theme was perfect. He couldn't help grinning as he took in the plush toys on the shelf and in the child bed, and megablok bricks shrewn on the floor in the corner. He walked over to the bed, leaning down to turn the covers over.
As gently as he could, he lowered the tiny boy onto the bed and pulled the covers back over, unable to resist kissing his forehead before straightening up. Without much thought, he crossed to the dresser and turned on the night-light on top of it, returning to the child so that he could tuck him in once more before making his way to the door.
He paused in surprise, seeing a hulking figure leaning against the wooden frame with his arms crossed and a soft, tender smile on his face. Seth blushed under Jacob's scrutiny, shifting from side to side.
"You're a natural," he murmured.
Seth shrugged. "Nothing to it."
Jacob held his hand out, beckoning his lover forwards. Seth went to him without permeable, slipping his hand into Jacob's warm one before he was pulled into his chest. As Jacob backed up, seth reached behind him to close the bedroom door too, somehow knowing to leave an inch. He allowed himself to be led just across the hall into Jacob's bedroom, familiarity washing over him in the cozy room.
Jacob shuffled in behind the slightly shorter man, his arms branding around his trim waist. Seth sighed and leaned back into the muscular chest.
"Get changed into something more comfortable, Love. My closet is at your disposal," Jacob whispered in his ear.
Seth looked over his shoulder in surprise. "I'm staying? I mean, I'd love to but ... don't you think that's pushing it slightly, what with the boys just meeting me and all?" Seth asked in concern.
Jacob smiled. "They'll be fine ... and I have no intentions of taking anything too far tonight. That would be taking too many liberties. No, I just want you by my side tonight. Call it ... a different kind of desire after seeing you with my son tonight," he replied gently. "I just want to hold you."
"That sounds nice," Seth whispered, smiling softly at the thought.
"Dress comfortably ... I'll go get us some water."
With that, Jacob left Seth in the middle of his master suite. Seth had been in there more times than he could count on both hands, and it was beginning to show in regards to the sheer comfort and easiness he felt whenever he was left alone like he was right then. It felt like his own bedroom at home.
Smiling, he crossed the room to the double doors of Jacob's closet, silently opening one and slipping inside. He shook his head at the sheer number of suits and dress shoes of different colours, designs and brands. There was actually only one wall, and a couple of drawers as Seth soon found out, that were dedicated to casual dress. The other three were suits and other smart apparel and accessories.
Opening one of the many drawers, he grabbed a pair of sleep pants. At least they were silk. He also slipped into a muscle shirt, stealing a parka from the shelf to wrap around himself. It wasn't particularly cold inside, but he fully intended to go out onto the balcony and enjoy the city view.
And he did just that, sliding the glass door open. He sighed in satisfaction as the cool air hit his face like a wall. He pulled the parka closer around him, silently sliding the door closed again before making his way to the railing.
New York City was truly a spectacular sight at night. Seth could barely process the magnitude of colour and bright lights coming from the city centre. He'd have thought with so many lights below that he wouldn't be able to see the stars above, but he smiled in glee as they shone brightly in the midnight sky.
He thought back on his night, how everything seemed to change in the blink of an eye. He'd met the two most adorable children tonight, held one preciously in his arms, and couldn't think of a better feeling than in the moment when Benjamin somewhat accepted him. It hadn't even been full acceptance so God help him if and when that occurred.
It was Jacob's birthday this evening, and yet Seth felt like he'd gotten all the presents. It was at that point he remembered he actually did have a present to give, the black parcel still residing in Jacob's car. He toyed with the idea of heading out to the garage to get it, but figured it wouldn't hurt to wait until morning.
"What has you thinking so hard?"
Despite having expected his return, the rich, deep baritone of his lover startled him. He giggled as he shook his head, placing a hand on one of Jacob's arms as they circled around him. His eyes closed, revelling in Jacob's scent as Jacob nuzzled his face into his neck. he'd never felt so happy and content in his entire life.
"Just ... everything. You. Us. The boys. The fact that today is your birthday, and yet, I feel like it's mine. Sorta makes me feel guilty that I haven't given you anything yet," he chuckled.
Jacob smiled against the younger man's neck as he rolled his eyes. "Ridiculous. You've given me so much tonight, Love. Everything."
"Like what?" Seth whispered, turning to face his older lover.
"You've given me my life back."
Seth could only scrunch his nose up in confusion, causing Jacob to chuckle and peck the end of it.
"Come. I'll explain."
With that, Jacob took Seth's hand and led him back inside, picking up two bottles of water and to Seth's surprise, the black gift-wrapped parcel. Jacob smirked knowingly over his shoulder, prompting Seth to giggle quietly. Jacob slid shut and locked the balcony door before following after Seth towards the bed.
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