The Cure

by TeaDrop

Levi is in his thirties and yet is still haunted by the memories of his first considerate lover from college who suddenly vanished. Over ten years later Levi hopes a certain handsome man in a lab coat can meet the needs of his body and his heart. *MODERN AU

7. Chapter 7

I'm so sorry this update took so long; it's been in the works FOREVER, let me tell you. But life's been busy, and I actually just got ENGAGED! So I've been prioritizing my time elsewhere. But I hope you like the update!

Chapter Text

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Smitten. Levi was completely smitten and it didn't matter how he tried to justify it any other way, that was the truth of the matter. All day his mind would flash to Dr. Smith. Wondering what his real name was, what job he worked, whether he had any pets at home, even what his favorite color might be.

"Favorite color?" Levi muttered to himself in exasperation as he was getting into his car to go home that afternoon. "What the hell is wrong with me!?"

He hadn't wanted to grow close to someone like this for so long that it was almost painful. Worst of all, it had crept up on him and taken him by surprise. It had happened so gradually that now that he realized it, he was left reeling. He had liked Smith better than the other potentials right off the bat, but had begun to really like him fairly early on. Now he was just more aware of it, and they'd spent more time together. At the club, of course. As amazing as that had been, and though that had been the intention, Levi was having mad ideas. He wanted to go somewhere, anywhere, else with Smith. A restaurant, the park, to the gym, it didn't matter but he wanted to see him in an everyday situation that had nothing to do with roleplay. Levi had never thought that he would feel so strongly about someone he met at a club, but it seemed Smith felt the same, at least enough to where he'd probably meet with Levi somewhere else if he asked…probably. Not that Levi didn't want to go back to the club. On the contrary, he couldn't wait to go there tonight. He was thinking about it so much that he needed to take his mind off his eagerness for a while.

To distract himself, as soon as he got home and showered, Levi went digging in his closet.

The gala that his one wealthy client had invited him to attend was tomorrow night, and he needed to be sure his tux didn't need dry cleaning. He knew he should have thought of that sooner, but he'd worn it and then had it cleaned earlier that year so he didn't think there would be much problem. Sure enough, it looked wonderful right out of the garment bag, and fit him like a glove thanks to his strict exercise regimen. With that distraction gone, Levi had a full hour to fill before leaving for the club. He played fetch with Valkyrie for a good chunk of that time, giving her all the attention he could cram into the rest of the evening before he left. So much so that she almost looked betrayed when he said goodbye to her. She was used to running around out in the yard and playing while he was gone, and with her doggy door Levi never worried about leaving her alone since all her needs were met. Still, he couldn't help feeling a little guilty as he shut the door on her.

That guilt melted away as he entered the club, and headed toward the unfamiliar hallways leading to the new room. The door looked as unassuming as any door could, but when he walked through it, he was met with such a completely different atmosphere than he'd come to expect that he stopped short.

This room was bigger than the mock hospital room they'd been meeting in; it was more decorated too. There were floral patterns painted in calming colors on the walls, a brightly colored orchid sat on a little table by the door, and there was a filmy curtain with a dark wood frame separating part of the room off. The sound of trickling water came from a mini rock fountain that sat on a shelf across the room, which housed a few more pots of greenery, as well as a host of bottles, towels, and a few items Levi couldn't name. Peeking around the curtain he spotted a chair, and a small but comfortable looking white padded bed.

If he had not recognized what this place was supposed to resemble, the simple little bed made only for one purpose would have clued him in. It was hard not to know what this place was, even though he'd never been to a real one.

A massage parlor.

It all fell into place; 'the focus will be relaxation and calming', that was what Smith had said. Oh…Levi's body relaxed just thinking of what would undoubtedly happen here. He'd never been comfortable with the idea of a complete stranger touching him like that, ironic considering the many one-night-stands he'd had in his life. But that hadn't been complicated, it was just sex. Massages were…not. For whatever reason Levi had never been able to separate the two in his mind. He blamed porn. Not that massage scenes got him off, but every now and again if he did want to build his arousal up slowly he'd view part of a massage video and let himself imagine what it would be like to have huge, warm hands rubbing the stress and pain of the day out of him…well, to be fair he had been massaged before, but it had been a very long time ago. Levi certainly hadn't ever been in a situation like this. His spine tingled just thinking of how perfect this was. It was professional, but sexual, exactly what he'd always thought about but never had the chance to experience.

Remembering what Smith had told him, Levi stripped down to just his undershirt and boxers, and then sat on the bed. It was more of a table with a thick cushion than a bed, but it was comfortable. The waiting game was easier this time because just being in that environment seemed to calm any nervousness he might have been clinging to. The soft sound of the water, the faint scent of some earthy and pleasant spice, and the beautiful patterns on the walls…he felt his blood pressure lowering the longer he sat there. Unconsciously, his eyes began to droop. Eventually they closed altogether and he rocked slightly in place.

When there was a soft knock at the door, he almost didn't hear it. The shuffle of clothing was what brought him out of his light doze, and his heart rate (which had been so slow a second ago) suddenly skyrocketed. Smith, when he stepped around the divider, was not in his usual lab coat. Instead, he was dressed head to toe in white scrubs. While not in the 'doctor' garb, he still looked very appealing. The V neck on the scrub shirt gave Levi a better sight of those collarbones than he'd ever seen before.

But it was his eyes…those bright blue pools of gorgeous that seemed to smile all on their own that really made Levi's world suddenly feel happier just glimpsing them. A flutter of intense joy passed through his heart, and he couldn't help but grin at the man.

"Sorry, were you falling asleep waiting for me?" Smith asked, looking teasingly at him with a wink that nearly shut down Levi's brain.

"Only a bit." Levi admitted, rubbing at one eye self-consciously. "I didn't even think I was that tired."

Smith flashed him that dimpled smile and sauntered over to the massage table. As he came to a stop just before him, Levi realized what was different about him today besides just his ensemble. He made a show of looking Smith up and down, as though assessing his appearance, and then lifted one eyebrow as he pinpointed the change.

"You don't have my chart."

"No," Smith answered, leaning one hip on the table next to Levi, "it's going to be very straightforward today, so I'll draw up my notes afterward."

Levi scratched gently at his shoulder, knowing full well that leaning on one hand to do that tightened up the muscles in his chest. Even through the thin white undershirt he figured they'd be more visible in that position. So what if he wanted to show off a bit?

"I see. What are we going to be doing today that's so straightforward?"

The blond man leaned back on the table with his hands now, too, looking at ease and perfectly confident as he explained,

"I'm thinking that we've been tackling your issue head-on for a number of sessions, so this time instead of aggressively going straight to the problem area I'll try a lighter approach. We've talked briefly about relaxation as a means to an end, so I'd like to expand on that theory. Massage is one of the greatest natural relaxants that I know of. Have you ever had a full body massage before?"

Suppressing a shiver, Levi waved his hand in the air in a 'not quite' motion.

"I've been massaged before, but never in a setting like this, and it's been a while. I've never had a full-body one, either. Only a shoulder massage, I think."

"May I ask how long it had been since then?"

"Years. I think I was still in college, so…over ten years?"

Smith whistled softly, and something in his eyes turned almost…sad? As if he was truly sorry that Levi had been without such a luxury as a massage for so long.

"The care and attention of a massage does such wonders for not only the body, but the soul, too." Smith said, sagely, "When one person touches another it is a profound thing; we associate touch with love and caring from the time we take our first breath. Being able to relax, and trust someone to touch you, is one of the most powerful experiences any human can have. Touch is healing, many physicians agree on this; knowing that someone wants to simply lay a hand on you conveys strong feelings of security, confidence, and even euphoria. In order for someone to make the conscious choice to touch you they must want to, and we subconsciously know that, which means that when we are touched deliberately it fulfills a longing we all have to be needed, accepted, and wanted by someone else."

Levi had heard similar lectures about the powers of simple touch before, but he'd never felt that anyone talking about it was passionate about the subject. Smith spoke as though he had nicked a vein of belief and was pouring out the flood of certainty that gave him strength. There was a tone of surety and almost wonder to his voice that came from the ideas created by his words.

"As a doctor, I believe in many forms of healing." Smith went on. "Touch is the first fundamental aspect for any good physician to learn to use, bedside manner, etc. Meaning that I know the benefits of a good, hands-on, full-body massage. It will work wonders for you on all levels, I promise. You're very overdue for one, as well. So, please, remove your undershirt, you can leave the rest on for now."

"For now?" Levi asked, as he pulled the tank over his head and tossed it toward the free chair.

"Eventually I will be removing your boxers as well. It is a full body massage, after all. Anything less would be negligent."

"I see your point." Levi tried not to smirk. Smith gave him a warm smile and then tapped his knee with the palm of one hand.

"Why don't we get started then. Lie on your back please."

Levi obeyed, easing onto the table and trying to relax. It oddly wasn't hard. Whether it was because of the atmosphere of the room, or just the confidence Smith portrayed about this 'treatment', Levi felt it easier to calm down than he had in previous sessions. The man positioned himself at Levi's head, hovering right above him.

"I'm going to start by cleansing your face."

Smith carefully swiped the hair back from Levi's face, then smoothed it down behind his ears so that it stayed out of the way. Levi watched as Smith went to one of the shelves, and picked up a folded washcloth that had been sitting there. When he came back, he carefully laid the cloth over Levi's forehead, pressing it down with both sets of fingers.

It was…warm. Levi had no idea how it had stayed damp and warm at the same time, but it was wonderful. His eyes closed in delight. Slowly, the cloth moved over his features as Smith wiped the entirety of his face, even gently cleaning his ears and the base of his neck. He paused a few times to presumably dip the cloth back into whatever warm water source there was on that shelf, replenishing the heat. Once every inch of his face had been cleaned, an equally warm towel came next, drying his skin delicately.

"Alright, your face is all nice and clean for me." Smith nearly cooed. "I can start now."

He placed his fingers gently on Levi's forehead and began to stroke over his features. Levi's eyes instantly fell closed as Smith's big palms blocked out most of his vision, and the sensations pleased him into relaxation. Those fingers were big, strong, and warm. Levi was surprised just how soft they were, even though he had felt them before, he hadn't had his eyes closed and been concentrating just on how Smith's fingertips felt. Down those fingertips slid to rub at Levi's temples, firm circles that were soft enough not to hurt him, but were hard enough to press away the tension there. They stayed for a while, keeping the circling rhythm until slowly easing away, dragging lightly over his delicate cheekbones. A single fingertip ran up and down the length of Levi's nose, circling the pert tip of it almost teasingly, making Levi grin despite himself.

Smith chuckled in response, tapping the tip of Levi's nose deliberately.

"You have a cute nose."

Levi gave a very small giggle at the warmth flooding his heart at those words.

"Thanks."

Those fingers returned, sliding featherlight over his thin, delicate eyelids. That was such an oddly intimate touch that Levi felt something in his heart shudder. He could feel the light press of those fingertips against his eyeballs, separated only by that fine veil of skin. Odd, indeed, but not unpleasant by any means. Smith didn't spend a great deal of time there, but eased away briefly before cupping Levi's entire face in his hands, palms covering his cheeks and warming them. As he held Levi's face like that, his broad thumbs began to stroke the sensitive shells of Levi's ears.

Levi's lips parted on a soft breath at the touch. Smith's voice came a second or two later, close to his face.

"We don't do it often, but stroking our ears is very relaxing. They're sensitive and it feels very nice."

"Hmmm…" Levi sighed in vague agreement.

Slowly, after several minutes on his ears, Smith eased his hands down to cradle Levi's neck, sliding his thumbs along the sides and then across his collarbones. Levi visibly shuddered at that, unable to help the physical response. Smith said nothing about it, but continued down to the caps of his shoulders. They smoothed lightly over them for a handful of seconds before giving them a careful pat and withdrawing.

"I'm going to lift your head, don't fight me. Just let me support you."

It was a difficult order to follow once his head was cradled and lifted from the bed. He instinctively wanted to lift his head with his neck, but relaxed and let Smith hold his head up. Half of Smith's fingers took on the weight of Levi's head, the other half began rubbing against the base of his skull.

"Wow…" Levi sighed, feeling the effects of that stimulation radiating down his neck.

"Good?"

"Mm-hm."

Smith worked his way up Levi's scalp over the next few minutes, easing his head back down so he could use all his fingertips to scratch, rub, and massage his scalp. The slightly rough scratch of fingers in hair was calming and wonderful. After he'd eased every inch of Levi's head, Smith began to lightly run his fingers through his hair, stroking it gently and playing with it. Levi hadn't thought that something so simple could feel so nice.

"I'm going to move to your hands and arms now." Smith told him, and Levi fluttered his eyes open to see the blond man picking up a pump bottle of lotion from the shelf. He quickly closed his eyes again when the man turned back, perhaps out of childish reflex to not be caught staring. Fingers that were slick with lotion lifted his right wrist off the table, holding it up so that his elbow was still resting on the bed.

"Just like our ears," Smith explained, as he began rubbing the lotion all over Levi's fingers and palm, "we forget to tend to our hands in a way that relaxes us. But massaging the hands is extremely effective."

Levi was already beginning to agree with him, as Smith began to press his thumbs into his palm, stroking down over and over to the pulse point at his wrist. He repeated the massage on the top of Levi's hand, easing the tightness between his knuckles, down his fingers, then back up to the wrist. From there he worked up Levi's arm, kneading into the muscles and easing away any tension. He replenished the lotion as he needed to, filling Levi's senses with a light, pleasant scent that wasn't heavy, but still seemed masculine and earthy.

"You still with me, Robbie?" Smith whispered after about ten minutes on both arms and hands. Levi was floating somewhere in the middle distance, more relaxed than he'd been…probably ever. He made a non-descript sound, and Smith chuckled. "You're starting to drift away. That's good. That's the point of what I'm doing here. I'm going to work on your feet and legs now."

"Oh my god…" Levi slurred. "What cloud did you fall from? You big, blond angel…"

Smith sounded like he was suppressing a hearty laugh with a wheezy chuckle as he moved from the shelves down to the foot of the table. The hot, wet cloth was back now, wiping down his soles, the tops of his feet, and even between his toes. He couldn't hold back some helpless chuckling as the sensation tickled him.

"Easy." Smith soothed, slowing down his movements so the tickling decreased. "That's better."

"Hmmm…" Levi hummed again, rolling his head slightly on the cushion.

Once his feet were clean, another warm towel enveloped them to be sure they were dry. A second later the lotion pump worked a few more times, and then Levi's foot was clasped between two warm hands. Somehow even though the words 'full-body massage' had been used, Levi hadn't thought about his feet being worked on. He was pleasantly surprised by how amazing it felt to feel two strong thumbs pressing deeply into his soles, heels, and the balls of his feet. Even the undersides of his toes were given attention.

"Your feet are very cute, too." Smith said softly at one point, teasing sincerity in his voice. "Your toes are very small, and stacked in a perfect, descending line…so adorable."

"Careful, dr." Levi responded, smiling fondly. "You continue the sweet-talk and I'll just have to keep you."

"I wouldn't mind that. I could always use a permanent patient to dote on."

The lightheartedness and casualness of their back and forth was so easy now as opposed to their earlier visits. They were only vaguely holding on to their roles, letting their real personalities shine through.

Smith spent another ten minutes or so stroking, rubbing, and moisturizing every inch of Levi's feet and ankles. By the time he moved on, Levi's soles felt like they were tingling in the wake of Smith's touch. He flexed them a few times, languid and slow as Smith's hands began focusing on his legs. He positioned himself with his back to Levi's head, so he could lift Levi's leg and dig his thumbs into the muscle of the calf, running them up to the underside of his knee. It wasn't exactly painful, but it wasn't the most comfortable feeling. Never had anything pressed that deeply into his calves before. Levi made a small sound and shifted his left leg in Smith's hands.

"Does that hurt at all?" The man asked, lessening the pressure. "This can be an uncomfortable area to administer deep tissue massage when you're not used to it."

"Yea, just…a bit lighter would be fine."

Smith accommodated him, adjusting his pressure to a comfortable level. He worked up both calves to the kneecaps, where he gently manipulated them from side to side, working out any tension. It was an odd sensation, but not unpleasant.

"Alright, let's get you out of these," Smith tugged at the waist of Levi's boxers, "and have you turn onto your stomach, ok?"

Levi couldn't help blushing as he shimmied out of his last remaining piece of clothing. Smith took them and placed them on the chair while Levi shifted onto his stomach. He instinctively wrapped his arms around the pillow under his face.

"Arms at your sides, please." Smith corrected, and Levi obeyed, letting his face lean into the pillow while his arms laid along his body. The cushion felt soft and warm against his cheek.

"Good. Now I'm going to start on your neck and shoulders. Try to relax, and breath evenly."

Levi let out a puff of air in response, and altered his breathing to be deep and steady. It was difficult, when his nerves were reaching out desperately for Smith's touch, and he was imagining how good this was going to feel.

"Very good." Smith praised him.

Levi heard the telltale sign of Smith warming the lotion between his palms, before they were laid between his shoulder blades. He spread the lotion over Levi's skin by running his hands gently over the area of his shoulders and neck. Then, he began to press down and rub his hands and fingers into the muscles, starting at the nape of Levi's neck and working slowly down.

"Good Lord…" Smith breathed out softly. "You're tied up in knots. . .So much tension in such a little body, hm…"

"I would say that's cliché, dr.," Levi moaned out, "but you happen to be right on all counts."

"Of course I am; I can feel the truth under my hands. But I assure you, I'll loosen every single one of these knots before I let you walk about of here. Firstly, would you like me to crack your back for you?"

"Sure, that would probably do me good." Levi answered.

"Alright, deep breath for me."

Levi obeyed, as Smith laid his palms right on the small of his back. Then he thrust down with a single motion, and a small 'pop' was heard. Smith hummed and rubbed the spot before moving on to another higher up his spine. He repeated the thrust of his palms, and a louder sound was heard this time. Finally he reached the spot just beneath Levi's shoulder blades, and when he pressed down there, a loud crack clearly resounded through the little room, followed by Levi's grunt and sigh.

"Oh yes..." He slurred. "That's so nice."

Smith chuckled and rubbed vigorously at the spot to soothe it.

"There's nothing like having your back cracked when it's built up tension for months."

"Hmmmm."

Smith then started in with concentrated effort on the knots in Levi's muscles. From the spot just under his right shoulder, to the massive one at the base of his neck, to the scattering of smaller ones along his left side where he tended to slump toward at his desk. All the while little sounds of appreciation and pleasure were slipping from Levi's lips. He was so relaxed and content by the time Smith worked all the way past his waist that he didn't even react when those hands trailed over his bare buttocks and began rubbing both of his thumbs along the tender undersides where they met his thighs. It somehow felt like such a natural progression, and it did feel very nice when Smith began kneading into the flesh there. The blond man chose not to comment on his actions this time, opting to let Levi enjoy his attentions without trying to draw attention to the intimacy of this particular region. After several long moments, where Levi nearly fell asleep, Smith's voice spoke lowly, in his ear.

"I'm going to help you turn onto your back again, alright? No hurry, easy does it, let's turn you over."

Levi nearly let Smith carry the weight of his body as he feebly attempted to do as he was told. He wasn't even trying to keep his eyes open at that point, and he settled back into comfortability as soon as the back of his head hit the pillow again. Almost immediately, Smith's divine hands were back, this time cradling his collarbones and running down the center of his chest. Warm, slick with lotion again, and smelling so good, those palms smoothed over the skin of Levi's pecs, over his nipples, and down his stomach. Over and over, Smith's hands made more passes over his upper body, warming his flesh and relaxing him even further.

Over time, he felt the slight shift in the quality of the touches, growing softer, more cautious as it approached his groin. Levi's cock was soft when Smith first grazed his fingers over it, which would've been a wonder to Levi considering just how sensual this massage had been, but he was too close to sleep to even think about it. That is, until Smith began to gently work the pliant flesh in his slick hands. It took all of two minutes for Levi to grow fully hard. When his flesh was standing upright and stiff beneath Smith's hands, the blond man began to steadily rub up and down, pressing pleasure into Levi slowly and surely like he'd been doing everywhere else.

Levi felt so good that he nearly felt like crying. Usually when he was receiving a hand job he'd be shifting his limbs, moaning, and begging. This time he lay still and sighed. It was as if Smith had taken him to a new state, where he could enjoy pleasure, but it was almost secondary to the greater aspect of being so completely at ease. At least, at first. Once the lotion was poured over him and he felt the new slickness, the intense goodness of that sensation took him over and he began to crawl out of his peaceful, restful trance.

His limbs did begin to shift restlessly, the sighs coming from his mouth changed to little groans.

"That's it, come up now." Smith told him soothingly, kissing a spot on his chest just above his nipple. The light touch of lips lit an electric currant in Levi that went straight to his cock. It made him twist upward ever so slightly. Those lips touched him once more, this time directly on his nipple, and then added a swirl of tongue to the mix. That shattered the calm that lay over Levi once and for all. He let out an audible whimper.

"Like that?" Smith asked, before reapplying his tongue to the sensitive nub of flesh.

"Yeah." Levi managed.

"I'm bringing you out of your relaxation now, so don't fight it, but let it happen slowly."

"Ok."

Slow was the pace Smith set, and slow was actually ok when he was the one doing it. Usually Levi could grow impatient, but Smith didn't bore him. He slowly stroked and kissed Levi's chest, while his other hand kept rubbing his cock. Just enough to keep him interested, but not slow enough to make him impatient.

It was Smith's attention on his nipples that really fired Levi up. The man had not touched them before, and had certainly never kissed, licked, and sucked on them before either. Smith was doing all of those things now, even nibbling on Levi's nipples gently with his perfect, white teeth. It lit fire in Levi's skin, made him restless and hungry, and he kept arching up over and over, sighing harshly and little pleas escaping his lips into the quiet.

Eventually, Levi became eager enough to cant his hips up off the bed and into Smith's stroking hand, wanting more.

"Alright, you're ready." Smith told him. "Sit up now. On your knees for me."

When Levi obeyed, Smith having to steady him by his shoulders, as his body was so relaxed that he nearly fell over when he moved.

"Steady there, you've been limp as water for a while, so be careful. Now, I'm going to have you hold onto me if you need to." Smith told him, brushing away an unruly lock of black hair. That larger body felt so good pressed up against his own smaller one, and Levi inhaled deeply of his masculine scent.

"And I'm going to use my own member to stimulate yours."

"Oh, god, yes…" Levi moaned, leaking a drop of liquid just thinking about that. As he clung to Dr. Smith's shoulders and leaned his forehead boldly into his shoulder, the man carefully pulled out his own hard cock, which was easy with his soft white pants and the elastic waistband. He released Levi briefly, and he heard the lotion pump working a few more times. Just that simple sound planted such anticipation in him that he couldn't stop the plea that left his mouth.

"Please, please, god, I want it…"

Smith chuckled at him, working the lotion over his ready cock.

"Oh, you'll have it. Spread your legs a bit more, just a little."

When Levi had done that, Smith put his free arm around his back and pulled Levi close against his broad chest. It was almost an embrace, and it made Levi's heart leap. Then the smooth, velvety flesh of Smith's cock was pressed against his own, and held there by a slick hand. The smaller body trembled in reaction to such an intimate contact.

"Wow," Levi breathed, "wow, that's lovely." He wasn't the type to use the word 'lovely' very often, but there were no other words more fitting.

"You feel very good, too." Smith whispered in his ear, then began stroking them together. It was wonderful. Wrapped up in warm flesh, being held against a strong chest, while another hard cock was rubbed against his own. Even though he was on his knees, on a table, their cocks lined up perfectly. Smith must have taken their size difference into account. How thoughtful.

"Color?" What on odd time to check on that, considering that Levi was sighing and moaning into his shoulder.

"Green, you idiot!" He groaned out as a broad thumb rubbed over both of their crowns. "Oh god, that's so good!"

"Just had to be sure." Smith assured him, with a kiss to his neck. It was obviously meant to be a light peck, but Smith's lips were drawn back and he tentatively began to lay kisses along the side of Levi's neck and his shoulder. Short gasps of delight came out as those warm lips caused shivers of sensation all over him. In response, Levi turned his head on Smith's shoulder and began mouthing at the golden flesh of his neck too. Pride swelled in Levi when he heard the groan and felt it rumbling through Smith's chest. Levi thrust his hips forward, starting a slow rhythm that made them both groan. Smith adjusted his strokes to counter Levi's movements and they found a rhythm that worked, and ran with it.

Their kisses eventually worked their way over each other's cheeks and finally their mouths met. Like last time, an urgent hunger came over them and the temperature in the room shot up several degrees. Levi let his hands bury into the thick golden hair, destroying the slicked back style, feeling the dry hair gel breaking in his search for the naturally soft hair beneath. Meanwhile, Smiths' hand crawled up his back and rested at the base of his skull, holding him firmly in place while he began plundering his mouth. It was all so perfect, it felt so right. They hadn't technically stopped their roleplay but it felt like they'd left it far behind.

Levi felt Smith's chest heave with effort and he pulled back to press their foreheads together.

"I'm really close." Levi whimpered helplessly. "I'm so close…"

Smith met his eyes and nodded, moving both of their heads.

"Me too. Just hold onto me. I've got you." As if in direct obedience to these words, Levi held tighter to those broad shoulders and he certainly needed to, as Smith suddenly went all out, stroking them as hard and rapidly as he could. It was so good that Levi had to stop rocking his hips, and instead stayed still, plastered to Smith's body and whimpering into the side of his neck, clenching and unclenching his hands in the soft fabric of his shirt over his broad back. Finally Levi broke first, and with shaking thighs and a broken cry, he came in Smith's hand and against his cock.

"Oh my god!" He gasped, when Smith didn't slow down. Of course, he hadn't come yet, but he apparently wasn't letting go until he did.

"Smith…" Levi moaned, his entire body shaking violently in the wake of his release and the continued overstimulation.

"Oh shit, Smith, you're evil!" As if his words were the catalyst, Smith grunted, his stroking faltered, and Levi could literally feel his balls spasm against his own, and felt the throb in his cock as he came.

"Ahhhh….good boy…" Smith mumbled, holding Levi tighter before letting him go to tuck himself away. Levi sunk down, jerking his legs out from under him to hang off the edge of the table, and once Smith saw that he had readjusted, he pulled him forward into another embrace. He just held him there, rubbing his back. Levi didn't have the strength to hug back at the moment, so he just leaned into Smith's arms.

They stayed that way for a few long moments as they caught their breaths and let their racing pulses calm back to steady rhythms. When they were both breathing lightly, Smith spoke, rubbing the back of Levi's head where it lay on his chest.

"Sorry, I wasn't very doctor-like there at the end, was I? I haven't really even paused our roleplay."

"Who cares." Levi slurred. "I don't care about the fucking roleplay right now." He weakly brought his hands up to rest on Smith's sides. "Is that horrible of me? I made such a fuss about it in the beginning."

"No, it's more flattering to me than anything else. We've found that line between roleplay and reality that works for us. Blurring or erasing that line isn't unwelcome for either of us at this point. Don't worry about it."

Levi hadn't thought he'd been worried until Smith told him not to be, then he didn't let himself, period.

"You sure you're ok with it though? Just…being more ourselves in these scenes?"

Smith pulled back just enough to cup Levi's chin and tilt it toward to him. He gazed into Levi's grey-blue eyes intently, reading something in him that Levi couldn't deduce. Finally the man grinned, and his blue eyes looked very honest as he said,

"To be honest, and I don't say this to pressure you or make any kind of presumptions, but I'd date you if you'd let me, no roleplay required."

Levi stiffened a bit, not quite knowing how to take such blunt honesty. Part of him was so wary that he went on instant alert. Another part of him sprang to life and began waving victory flags. Outwardly he looked stunned. Smith's warm smile faltered and the gentle brushing of his thumb on Levi's cheek ceased.

"Should I not have said that?" He asked, and he sounded so fragile at that moment that Levi wanted to do all he could to reassure him.

"No, it's alright." He said, though he sounded like he was trying to convince himself. "That did catch me off guard, but…well…I'd probably date you too."

A small, hopeful smile crept onto Smith's face, but then faded as quickly as it came. All the surety seemed to melt off him, and he looked regretful.

"Real names and all, huh?" He muttered, and then dropped his hand and released Levi entirely. He stepped back and obviously was distracting himself by putting away the lotion and oil bottles on the shelves, and then taking far too much time arranging what didn't need to be arranged in so simple a set up. Then he began cleaning them both up with another warm towel.

"You brought it up." Levi carefully pointed out. "But I wasn't going to make you spill your real identity just at the mention of dating. I mean obviously if you are serious and we did end up dating I'd have to know your name, but…"

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that." Smith said softly, not meeting Levi's eyes.

"So you didn't mean it?" Levi questioned, still keeping his tone nonconfrontational, but there was tension in him all the same. Smith shook his head.

"No, I did. I just wasn't going to say that so soon." A tiny smile managed to spring to his lips. "Sometimes being around you makes me say things I don't intend to, just because…you bring out a lot in me, I suppose."

Levi accepted the large, warm towel that Smith wrapped around his shoulders and pulled over his lap to cover him. Its heat seeped into him and felt so nice and comfortable that Levi had to close his eyes briefly to enjoy it. Then he lifted one hand and placed it delicately over Smith's arm, trailing it down to take his hand.

"No worries, Smith, I'm not pressuring you for any kind of commitment or anything. But, just so you know, though, I'd be open to that…"

"You…you would?" Smith asked, looking absolutely so adorable and flustered that Levi had to resist leaning up to kiss him. The next second the blond head shook from side to side. "I'm sorry…"

Levi did kiss him at that, just a light peck on the back of his hand, which he continued to hold, stroking the top with his thumb.

"Stop apologizing, it's cool, ok?"

"It's just…since my face got scarred no one's really accepted me romantically. I know this is technically roleplay, not romance, but you know what I mean. You barely blink an eye at my scar, you…touch it…no one touches it. I know I'm not quite mutilated or anything, but it's not pretty. It means a lot that you accept me, even as a roleplay partner it means the world to me."

Levi's heart ached for Smith, seeing his humanity, his vulnerability was almost more of a gift than the role he offered Levi in the first place.

"Roleplay. Dating. I'd accept you in either world." Levi said evenly, trying to keep his tone casual.

Smith's face broke into a more happy and content expression than Levi had ever seen before, and the big man once more pulled Levi in to snuggle against his chest. When he spoke, Levi could feel the heat of his words on the shell of his ear, and it made him shiver delightfully.

"Thank you, so much. I feel the same."

The moment stretched, and then they pulled apart with clearing throats and awkward smiles. Smith clapped Levi lightly on his shoulders and held him at arm's length as he asked,

"When do you want to meet next?"

Levi blew out a breath that ruffled his bangs and twisted his mouth in thought.

"I would say tomorrow night, but I'm afraid I'm not available."

"That's just about the same for me, too." Smith said.

"Oh? Because of that demanding on-call job of yours?" Levi asked, raising an eyebrow. Smith chuckled.

"Something like that, yes."

"Alright, um…how about in two days? Same time, old room?"

Smith nodded, and patted Levi on the cheek gently. As he spoke, his voice lowered to a deep rumble.

"Sounds good. I'll come up with some reasoning by then, and if you'd like…I can give you what you've been asking me for."

Excitement crept back up Levi's spine, and he bit his lip. The action drew Smith's eyes to his mouth, and when Levi realized, he released his lip and licked it instead.

"Really?"

"Really. Don't worry, I feel it's the right time. I'll bring everything we'll need."

Levi sighed, and it came out sounding more like a little moan, and Smith cupped the back of his neck, leaning down to kiss him sweetly on the mouth. Levi clung onto his arms, wanting more, but Smith pulled back, putting distance between them.

"You're ready for round two, aren't you?" He teased.

"Hell yes. With you, I'm always ready for round whatever." Levi affirmed, pulling the warm towel tighter against him.

"Well, you'll have to wait a few days. You can do that for me, can't you?"

"I'll always follow dr.'s orders." Levi said, deliberately licking his lips.

"God, you're a little prince." Smith said, shaking his head and looking fondly at him. "I really like that quality about you."

Levi couldn't help his smile.

"I've never been called that by anyone other than you, but I could get used to it."

"I'll do my best to see that you do." Smith assured him, as he headed for the door. "Until next time, your highness."

The infernal man even had the nerve to give a small, almost elegant bow to Levi on his way out. Levi saluted him in response, and when the door closed after Smith, he broke down into the biggest, goofiest grin.

)))((((

While Levi regretted that he had to attend the gala rather than spend another night with Dr. Smith, he couldn't deny that he was looking forward to it.

Levi had been to high-end parties like this before, but it had been a while. Thankfully, his tuxedo still fit him like a glove thanks to his exercise routine, and the fact that he'd spent more on it than he intended to spend on any suit for the rest of his life. Even the tie, a gorgeously satiny thing of platinum grey, was a pricey one. When he was readying himself, he thought about slicking his hair back. It had been a while since he'd worn it like that, and it did look much more suave than the way he normally wore it down.

He dug around in his bathroom cupboards before finding and pulling out the bottle of hair gel. He applied just enough to keep his bangs back, combing them over on a slight part. He admired himself in the mirror, not used to seeing so much of his forehead because of his bangs. But it showed off his eyes. They were steely grey-blue and he had always liked them, and been complimented on them before. Though over the years they had become lined with care, and more often than naught faint circles would cradle them from lack of sleep or too much caffeine.

Lately, though, he'd been getting much more sleep than usual due to being to regularly released and relaxed in the evenings. It was all he could do to drive himself home in the evenings after the club without falling asleep at the wheel. He did think, considering his eyes in the mirror, that the circles were much more faded than usual. Assured in that fact, Levi began to dress in the prize of his wardrobe. He started with the very best he had in underclothes; a fine white tank and pair of satiny black boxers. It only felt right to wear these things beneath the fine suite. Any old undershirt and boxers just wouldn't follow. Then the pressed white dress shirt, tucked into the pants fastened with a stiff leather belt. Cufflinks next, then the tailored vest, with its silky grey backpiece and darker grey front. Finally, the crowning jewel that was the suit jacket.

Valkyrie came to stare at him as he examined himself in his full-length mirror. He grinned at her and did a little turn.

"Do I look good, girl?" Valkyrie began wagging her tail and trotted toward him. He bent over to scratch her ears. "I know, I know, I need the shoes to finish the whole thing off, even if these dress socks are fine to look at on their own."

Levi slipped into the glossy shoes, then fiddled around with his wallet, key, and cell phone. After being sure he looked the part and had everything he needed on him, he said goodbye to Valkyrie and went on his way to the gala.

It was a good forty-minute drive to the mansion where the gala was being held, and it took a while sitting in the valet parking line before Levi could hand over his car keys and go inside. The big stone mansion was lit up against the backdrop of the post-sunset sky, the late summer air warm, but with a cool breeze. Levi climbed the small flights of stairs, passing the terraces and decorative floral arrangements outside the house. His client, along with his wife, were greeting their guests at the door. They looked every bit the happy, rich couple; fine clothes, big smiles, and their little baby son sporting his little tux in his mother's arms.

"Levi Ackerman, good to see you could make it!" The man said as he shook Levi's hand. "This is my wife, Leah, and our son, Jonesy."

"Pleased to meet you, ma'am." Levi said, nodding instead of shaking hands, since hers were full holding the bubbly little boy. He reached out a finger to the infant, though, who seized it and refused to let go.

"Jonesy," he said, a little grin fighting his lips, "pleased to meet you too, little man."

The baby tried to draw Levi's finger up to his chubby lips, but his father laughingly wrested it out of his son's grasp.

"He likes you! But I don't think you want him to use your finger as a pacifier. Anyway, I'm so glad to see that the one responsible for this beautiful home's restoration could make it to it's first open house. Enjoy yourself, please!"

Levi nodded, and politely passed the couple to enter the big, wooden doors. He had worked on this mansion for a long time, getting all the details right, working with the contractor, overseeing the plans, and now he was going to enjoy seeing it in its full glory and filled with people.

Levi couldn't deny that, though he could find the attitude of these kinds of higher-ups tiresome, he did enjoy the lavishness of these kinds of parties. Getting him there was the hard part, but once he was there, he enjoyed himself for a while. Levi started sipping with delight at the fine champagne out of the tall flute he took from the drink table, and then did what he liked best at these types of events; sit back and watch the crowd. There were plenty of beautiful gowns, flashy jewelry, expensive cologne and perfume, and suits. It was glamorous, and every now and again that was a nice change of pace. Not that it wasn't all pretentions as hell and an obvious excuse to see who could outdo each other. It was amazing to Levi to just slowly walk amongst the groups and overhear all the fancy ways people could roundabout insult each other with the politest words.

It was amusing, in a way, he supposed. No skin off his back. He worked his ass off to be good enough at what he did to earn an invitation to a party as high-end as this, and he was going to enjoy it. He mingled for a while, meaning he floated from circle to circle and said as little as possible, then made himself a plate from the refreshment table and sat down at one of the round tables with beautiful centerpieces. The table he chose was inside one of the ballrooms, which had been fixed with tables and chairs. The star of this room, architecturally, was the ceiling and the beautiful glass chandelier hanging from it. Levi had done a lot of planning to be sure the walls and ceiling would be sound enough to support the weight of such an ornate decoration.

Levi was so engrossed in admiring the end result of so much of his effort, that he'd eaten through most of his finger foods without once looking at who was around him. He was just considering going to check out what was on the dessert table, when someone deliberately sat down in the empty chair opposite him. Levi's lips parted on a gasp, and he dropped the thin cracker he'd been about to eat.

Smith sat there, blond hair extra-gelled back tonight in an elegant style. He cut a fine figure in a black tux and white dress shirt. His sky-blue tie looked dyed-to-match with his eyes, along with a perfectly folded pocket square of the same color. A big, white, blinding smile was on his face, and nearly hurt Levi to look at, it was so charming.

"Good evening." Smith said, in a teasing attempt at formality.

Levi had to take another minute to gather his wits before responding with a weak,

"Hey…"

Smith leaned forward over the table, resting one arm atop it as he tilted his head.

"Did I scare you?"

"Uh…no…not really…I don't think so…"

Levi's voice was shaky with nerves. Smith didn't draw attention to it, just said,

"This is quite the coincidence, isn't it? We have the same client."

Levi scooped his jaw up out of his lap and cleared his throat. His heart was pounding like mad, every inch of him from his body to his mind absolutely in shock and joy that this man was here, outside the club, talking to him. It was difficult the balance the two ends of the emotional spectrum.

"Laurence, then?" He asked, in a wheezy voice.

The blond man flicked his eyes across the room to the middle-aged man laughing in a circle of guests, Leah and Jonesy right at his elbow.

"Well, technically my real client is his wife."

Picking up his cracker again, Levi deliberately took a bite, chewing slowly to stall and give him time to recover. It was difficult with those pools of blue pouring out on him with such focus and adoration. Yet it filled Levi with warmth at the same time, and that helped him to calm down. This was a wonderful turn of events, and now at least he had someone he wanted to interact with at an event like this. He might as well take advantage and enjoy Smith's company. He swallowed his mouthful before casting his eyes up and down Smith and saying,

"She must pay well. That suit must have cost a fortune."

In response, Smith gazed down at his suit, and then brushed a few fingers over his shoulder like he was shooing away dust.

"It wasn't something I needed to buy every day, or even every year. But every man needs a good suit. Might as well make it an expensive one."

Those blue eyes then pinned Levi down, and trailed slowly over him, across his clothes. Levi felt his skin shiver, as though that glance alone was brushing it.

"You're one to talk about expensive suits while you're wearing Armani."

Levi's neck flushed beneath his pricey collar, and he changed the subject by jerking his head toward Smith's drink glass.

"What's your drink?"

Smith held up the small, round glass with a grin.

"Black Russian. I wanted something more than just champagne."

Levi eyed the drink for a second.

"Care for a sip?" Smith asked.

"Why not? It instantly feels like we're on a date anyway."

Levi had no idea how those words had been ripped from his mouth but he couldn't take them back now. Smith only smiled wider at the words, and slid his drink across the tabletop toward him. Levi lifted it to his lips and took a delicate sip. The dark taste burned liquid courage down his throat and into his belly. He tipped the glass appreciatively at Smith.

"Excellent choice." He took yet another small sip.

"Hey!" Smith lightly protested. Levi rolled his eyes, passing the glass back.

"It's good, and you offered. Give me a break."

Smith took a sip as well now that he had his drink back, eyes closing a moment at the taste.

"I didn't expect to see you here, but I'm very happy that I spotted you."

Levi made a humming sound and looked out over the sea of people.

"I'm surprised that you did; it would have been easy enough to miss me with so many people in here. Then again, I don't know how I didn't see your glowing blond head above everybody else's."

A chuckle escaped Smith and he stole a cracker off Levi's plate, as if in retaliation for the stolen sip of his drink.

"I have to confess, I saw you the moment you came in. I happened to be in the right place at the right time."

"Why didn't you throw yourself at me right away," Levi asked, fighting a grin, "you seem like the clingy type."

"Pot calling the kettle black, in my opinion, your highness. But I wanted to watch you for a while."

"That's not creepy at all." Levi muttered into his own champagne flute.

"I couldn't help it." Smith said, shrugging his shoulders. "You looked so adorable wandering around in the midst of people so much taller than you."

Levi's cheeks darkened, but for some reason the comment didn't anger him. Smith went on after leaving a pause in case Levi wanted to call him out.

"Did you know you bite your lips when you're trying to make a decision?"

Levi raised one eyebrow and cocked his head in confusion.

"What?"

"When you were picking out which foods you wanted. You bit your lip. You did it when choosing which prepared drink to select too."

Unable to help the little laugh, Levi let it break from his lips, and he leaned back in his chair.

"You sound like such a creepy stalker right now."

Smith pretended to look hurt and retorted,

"I was going for something along the lines of 'romantically admiring from afar'."

"Still creepy as hell." Levi chuckled. "But it seems somehow fitting for you to do something like that."

"I'll take that as a compliment." Smith said. "But honestly, I didn't really follow you around purposefully. Once I knew you were here, I just kept an eye out for you and happened to see what you were doing."

"Oh, I feel much less stalked now."

What was this all about? Levi couldn't keep the smile off his face, couldn't stop the mirth from bubbling up from some inexplicable source inside him. Smith was just…fun. This easy banter was so charming and ridiculous at the same time, and Levi loved it. It felt more natural and content than anything had for him in a long time. Smith was just opening his mouth to say something else, when Laurence suddenly appeared at their table.

"Ah! Smith! It seems you and Mr. Ackerman have made friend, eh?"

Levi's heart jolted. Smith's face seemed to go white. But before either of them could recover, Laurence continued,

"Pointing out all your bragging points in this house, Ackerman? All the secret architectural details credited to you and your firm?"

"Something like that!" Levi said, too loudly and quickly.

"Yes, as a matter of fact," Smith cut in, helping him out, "he was just about to take me out to the terrace!"

As if in sync, they both rose from their seats, drinks in hand, showing every intention of moving away.

"Good idea!" Laurence laughed. "That was a bit of a trick, wasn't it, Ackerman? Getting all that masonry taken care of?"

"It sure was, and I'm going to show it off for you." Levi said in what he hoped was an excited tone, not a completely freaked out one.

"Oh, show it off for yourself!" Laurence said cheerily. "Your work deserves recognition."

"Thank you, sir." Levi managed, and then turned and strode away, feeling the rush of air that indicated Smith following behind him.

They stole through the thick crowd of people inside, and finally left the house by a row of glass doors leading out onto a huge terrace. It overlooked the garden and hedges surrounding the mansion, and was beautifully lit up and decorated.

Levi planted himself in one of the only spots not taken up by a group of people yet, in the very corner of the terrace, between the wall of the house and great stone railing. He placed down his glass on top of the stone and sighed, rubbing his eyes. Smith took up the space beside him, close enough to ensure their speech would be private, but giving Levi enough space so that he didn't feel closed in. They stayed that way for several long, awkward moments.

"So," Levi finally said, clearing his throat. "You're an idiot. You used your real last name?"

Smith gave a guilty smile and a shrug.

"When your last name already sounds like a fake one you get a bit relaxed."

Levi rolled his eyes.

"I suppose I can't fault you for that. Still, it's pretty careless of you. Especially when you seem just as concerned about protecting your identity as I am."

"I'm sorry about what happened just now." Smith apologized softly.

Levi scoffed lightly.

"Why? It's not your fault."

"It's just, I made such a big deal about it last night…and here, we both learned part of the truth regardless. If that makes you uncomfortable…you don't have to talk to me if you'd rather not."

Levi turned, facing Smith directly, his face tipped up a little so he could look him in the face.

"Do you want to get rid of me?"

"Not at all I…I really am glad to see you like this. Your hair is stunning in that style. Though I prefer it loose."

Levi had to contain the unexpected happiness he felt upon hearing that.

"You're not bad yourself out of that lab coat." Levi admitted forcing himself to look Smith in the eyes as he said it, though he felt his cheeks heat. "And I didn't think that it was possible for you to look better."

The smile that spread on the other man's face was infectious and soon Levi couldn't help but crack one as well. The atmosphere became much more relaxed at this, and Smith's expression took on a light-hearted air. He leaned back and took a sip of his drink, before eyeing Levi and saying,

"I've seen you in a suit briefly, that time you were late to the scene. But now that I have a chance to really look at you..."

He left it hanging rubbing his chin and studying Levi up and down. The smaller man was actually waiting intently to hear Smith's appraisal of his outfit.

"You look very fine. But, nothing beats that hospital gown."

A snort of amusement left Levi before he could act upset.

"We have opposite opinions of each other's attire it seems." Levi said. "Maybe if I'd worn my old sweatpants and baggy hoodie, you'd change your mind."

Smith shook his head, still looking Levi up and down.

"I'll bet you look darling in baggy clothes."

To cover up just how much that comment turned him on, Levi retorted with,

"Well it's too bad that you don't like me in a suit, because I wear suits every day."

"I didn't say that I didn't like you in a suit." Smith protested. "Just that you look the most breath-taking when you're relaxed…or in clothes that make you look vulnerable. But, I think I know why I think that. Do something for me, and take your jacket off for a second."

Levi felt the bass in Smith's voice role through him and he had to take a small breath to recover.

"Why?"

"You look so sheik in those cloths, but I think what I don't like is the jacket. It bulks you up a bit."

"That's the idea." Levi mused as he carefully started shrugging out of his suit jacket. "I'm a small man in a big business; I need every advantage."

He rested his jacket over the railing and tried to pretend he didn't feel those piercing blue eyes on him.

"It's as I thought." Smith leaned in making it look like he was just pointing something out to Levi. "I don't care for the jacket but you look mouth-watering in that vest."

"R-Really?" Levi asked skeptically trying to avoid the stirring arousal in his groin. He could feel Smith's heat, he was so close. To make matters worse, Smith's hand came up to very casually pat his back. It may have looked cordial to anyone watching, but it felt exactly the opposite, filling Levi with screaming desire at the light touch.

"It wraps around your little waist so nicely, that's why. Shows off your pert ass in those expensive pants, too."

Swallowing, Levi retorted quickly.

"I should punch you for calling me little."

"Come on, I know you love it."

A moment of not unwelcome tension passed before Levi felt Smith back away from him.

"Sorry." He said a second later.

"No worries." Levi answered picking up his jacket. He didn't put it back on. "You…you're right. And…I'll never turn down a compliment from you."

"That's good to know. I could drown you in them if you wanted me to."

"I can't swim." Levi deadpanned. Smith raise an eyebrow at him and held his gaze skeptically. Levi broke a second later. "Okay fine I can swim but I was only picking up on your metaphor. I'm not... I'm not really used to compliments to be honest."

Smith leaned easily against the thick stone balcony on his elbows, making him a bit shorter than Levi.

"That's too bad. Everyone needs someone to make them feel good about themselves."

Levi fought the urge to reach out and run his hands down that broad back, wrapped in that fine suit.

"What about you then?" Levi found himself asking. "Who compliments you?"

Smith rocked easily through his hips a little.

"My clients. At my job."

"That's right I have no idea what you do."

"Ditto."

Levi wanted to ask, he wanted to know, which startled him. The intensity with which he cared made him begin to question himself. At the same time Smith wasn't pressing him for an answer either. Did that mean he didn't care as much? He'd met Smith to fulfill his fantasy, not to find a date. And yet...

"I hope I'm not ruining anything by saying this..." Smith's voice was low, secretive. "But, even talking polite banter, all I can think about is tearing you out of that suit and ravaging you… would you like...to get out of here?"

Levi could have coughed up his heart it jumped so high into his throat. At first, he couldn't speak, his mind awash with images and sensations brought on by that suggestion. Then he downed the last of the champagne in his glass, placing it down as delicately as he could without smashing it, and swished back into his jacket.

"Where?" He asked, voice husky with sudden, overwhelming desire. Smith sounded equally rough and eager as he answered,

"Holiday Inn down the road. I'll meet you there. I'll call and get a room on the way over. Wait for me to leave before you get your own car."

"Right. Please, hurry."

Smith trailed a hand over Levi's shoulders before he left, and it sent electricity through Levi's spine. Levi forced himself to wait five minutes before picking up his car from the valet. He also forced himself not to speed on the highway. His body was raging out of control and he wasn't even with Smith right this second. Yet still, his heart pounded, his cock was so hard it was chaffing even against the fine boxers and dress pants, and he couldn't keep his mind from running wild with all the things he wanted Smith to do to him once they got to their room. A hotel room. How shamefully exciting. Levi hadn't felt this excited in a long time. Roleplay wasn't even on his mind. He just wanted Smith. His big hands, strong body, full lips. This rush of excitement and desperation made him feel like a teenager again but ten times better.

When he arrived, doing his best not to sprint through the front doors, he found Smith waiting for him in the very nice lobby. The man waved his key card at him, giving him an enormous smile. He'd ditched his suit jacket, and he seemed to glow all the brighter without the black jacket to temper his shirt's whiteness, and the gold of his hair. Neither of them cared about whatever staff might be around to see and judge them, they only had eyes for each other and as Levi grew closer he felt like his skin heated up a fraction with every step he took toward Smith. Without a word, but with hot gazes between them, they both headed to the elevator. Levi sidestepped to take the stairs instead. They booked it up two flights before Levi turned and seized Smith by his lapels and met him halfway for a wild, messy, hot kiss. They both tasted alcohol in each other's mouths.

Levi felt himself be pushed back against the wall. His shoulders connected with a dull thud, and his arms slid up and around Smith's neck. It was insanely spontaneous and probably not wise, but Levi loved it. He destroyed Smith's neatly combed hair, fingers eating up its softness. Smith in return was running his huge hands all over Levi's waist and back, reaching down to cup at his ass and squeeze it hard.

Time ceased to exist, and Levi had no idea how long they were there, making out like horney teenagers in a public stairwell. It wasn't until a door closed loudly somewhere on the other side of the wall in the distance that they tore away from each other, red-faced and panting heavily.

"Come on." Smith said, snatching Levi's hand and pulling him up the next flight of stairs and into the third-floor hallway. Thankfully their room was nearby, and when Smith released Levi's hand to fumble with the card key, Levi plastered himself to that broad back, rubbing his face against his crisp white shirt. He inhaled the scent of fabric softener and the dim scent of Smith's sweat.

"You smell so good." He mumbled against the shirt, taking a purposefully loud deep breath. He slid his hands around Smith's waist, groping a trail up to his chest, feeling firm muscles all along the way.

Finally, the door unlocked and Smith turned, seized Levi around the waist, and literally hoisted him off his feet to carry him into the room. Levi made a small sound of surprise before wrapping his legs around Smith's waist and holding on while he was planted against the nearest wall and kissed breathless again. The door closed on them with a loud crash, being a heavy hotel room door. Smith fumbled in the dark and found the light switch before returning to the task of delving into Levi's mouth. There were a few times in Levi's past when he'd been held up against a wall for a make-out session, since he was so small, and he'd always loved it. It had been so long, and he'd almost forgotten how it felt. He couldn't deny that he'd fantasized about Smith holding him up like this, but the reality was so much better.

However, neither of them was in their twenties anymore, and Smith eventually hauled him over to the neatly made hotel bed, and dropped them both onto it. Levi felt the wind knocked out of him at the sudden weight of Smith on top of him, but he loved it and he clutched at him wildly as they began to kiss again. He felt big fingers groping for his buttons, slipping them free one by one until he parted Levi's vest and shirt at the same time and slid his hands beneath to feel his chest. Levi fought to break the kiss, pushing Smith back to start undoing his buttons too. While denied access to Levi's mouth, Smith began to kiss and suckle at Levi's neck and collarbone.

"Get out of these!" Levi protested in a groan, tugging the end of the white shirt out of his dress pants. They both took a minute to kick off their shoes and pants, tearing the coverlet off the bed and turning on the bedside lamp before they fell into it again. Smith pinned Levi's arms above his head, holding him down and just looking at him. Levi panted, trying to catch his breath in the pause.

"I've never been able to tell you how beautiful I think you are." Smith said, his voice breathy and more out of control than Levi had ever heard it. "God, you're beautiful."

Levi was already flushed, but he could swear his cheeks burst into flames at the compliment.

"Th-thank you." He answered, uncharacteristically meek. "But have you taken a look in the mirror lately?"

As he spoke, Levi's eyes traveled over Smith's big shoulders, down to his chest. He wasn't exactly buff, or even built the best; there was a slight bit of weight at his middle, not enough to be called overweight but enough to suggest a comfortable lifestyle. However, he still had just enough definition in just the right places on his big body to be attractive. There was a smattering of golden hair that seemed to glow in the low light of the hotel lamp. Levi wanted to brush his fingers over that gorgeous blonde hair, but his wrists were still held captive in Smith's massive hand. He squirmed, arching his back and panting with the desire that coursed through him. Smith chuckled and leaned down to soothe him with a kiss. His thick chest hair tickled Levi's own nearly-bare-chest and his nipples went from interested to pebble-hard so fast that he let out an embarrassing squeak into Smith's mouth. Smith pulled back at the sound.

"You ok?"

Levi huffed exasperatedly.

"My nipples are rock hard because of your damn sexy chest hair!" He explained in a desperate rush of words. A single gold eyebrow shot up playfully at Levi's admission.

"Really? Hmmm…" Blue eyes lowered to said nipples. They were dark pink and taut with desire. "You know…I've wanted to do this since the first time I got to see your chest…Last night just wasn't enough."

Dipping his head, Smith planted firm kisses up the center of Levi's chest.

"Oh yes…please yes…" Levi breathed, quivering beneath him. He felt the heat of Smith's laughter as he neared his goal. "Oh, please…"

A flicker of hot wetness against his right nipple and Levi went still. Smith's warm tongue teased at the sensitive nub and it felt so good. He flexed his slender hands in Smith's firm gasp, and let out a shuddering sigh. At the sound, full lips closed over his nipple and began pulling at it, Smith's tongue circling relentlessly. Levi's cock jumped at the sparks of pleasure that ran through him, and he wiggled his hips. One of Smith's hands came down to grasp one side of his waist, holding him down. He switched off at that and began suckling at the twin. Levi let out a moan and tossed his head back against the pillow. Smith hummed, and it rumbled through Levi's flesh beautifully. He jerked in response and tried to arch up and rub his groin against Smith's, but he underestimated how strong Smith's single hand was and it held him in place. Levi pushed harder, challenging that strength. Smith responded by abandoning his nipples and flattened his body down to Levi's.

Oh yes, that was better…that warm, solid body slid against his teasingly, Smith's full weight behind the movement. The wealth of warm flesh was overwhelmingly good, unlike anything they had felt together before. As much as Smith had done to him there was so much they had never shared. Levi had to bat away a feeling of sadness at that thought, and it was replaced by another, all-consuming thought…he wanted to do everything with Smith. Roleplay be damned, he wanted all of his man.

"Give it all to me…" He gasped as Smith returned to mouthing his nipples. "Let me touch you, too…"

"Hmmm...you didn't say 'please'."

"Fucking damnit!" Levi growled, thrusting uselessly beneath the much larger man. A laugh escaped the blond.

"That didn't sound like a 'please' to me."

"Bastard!" Levi hissed, rolling his eyes without malice in his tone. "Please…I want to touch you for once."

Smith grinned and rolled off him. Levi pounced, pushing Smith flat on his back and straddled him. Slender hands came to wrap around Smith's strong neck and tugged him into a hungry kiss. Warm hands came to cup his hips. After kissing themselves breathless, Levi leaned up onto his knees, tugging Smith to sit up and face him. Sitting in his lap like that, face-to-face with him, Levi felt so small. It was wonderful. He gazed at all that smooth skin and golden hair and laid his hands on Smith's chest. Instantly he registered the softness of that downy, honeyed hair.

"God, your hair is…soft…" Levi trailed off, realizing how odd of a statement that was, stroking Smith's chest hair with eager fingers. Smith's hands ran up his back, stopping to hold his shoulders, heat pouring from them.

"You have a thing for hairy men?" He teased, sneaking in a kiss to Levi's forearm as he kept petting Smith's chest. Levi scowled at him.

"No! But…it looks and feels hot on you…" He blushed while saying it. Smith kissed his red cheeks

"You are so cute sometimes."

Levi nudged Smith's head away so he could continue his exploration. The column of Smith's neck looked especially alluring, and he latched his mouth there, running his hands down his sides.

"Oh….you're hungry, aren't you?" Smith gasped, big fingers rubbing at his shoulder. Levi didn't answer him, but kept devouring Smith's neck. He quickly and roughly trailed down to his shoulder. As he worked Smith began to let his fingers wander down to slide under Levi's boxers and cup his bare ass.

"You have a gorgeous ass." Smith told him huskily, pulling the fabric down to expose Levi's nether regions. Levi shivered and thrust his pelvis forward. A rough gasp was torn from him when the sensitive skin of his cock brushed tufts of hair on Smith's midriff. He gripped Smith and let his head drop to his shoulder. A warm hand left it's fellow to hold a single cheek, and grasped Levi's cock firmly.

"God…yes…" Levi moaned, thrusting his hips in time to the stroking. "Oh my god, you…I wanted to…"

"It's alright." Smith cooed in his ear. "Tell me what you want."

"I want you to fuck me." Levi almost whined, starting to thrust quicker into Smith's hand. "I want you in me."

The other man slowed his hand, and went still.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, yes, please!" Levi begged, beginning to smother Smith's face in kisses. "I've wanted you to for so long now. I've been waiting and waiting…and you promised me that next time you would. Well, we may not be at the club, but we're here, and you promised!"

When Smith tipped them over Levi pressed himself to his side, wrapped his own arms around his partner and kissed him deeply.

"I don't have any condoms." Smith muttered breathlessly. "Or lube."

Levi had to stop and consider that. Even at the best of times going bareback was uncomfortable for him and his tiny channel.

"The complimentary lotion!" He snapped. "In the bathroom!"

He lunged up off the bed, and yelped as he tripped and nearly fell over because his boxers were still around his knees. He heard a stifled chortle from the bed, and he flipped Smith off before shucking the underwear entirely and rushing to the bathroom. He knocked over all the little bottles on the counter in his haste to find the right one, then hurried back into the room. Smith held out his long arms for him, and Levi dove into them, pressing the lotion into his hand.

"On your knees, or on your back?" Smith asked as he popped the lid off. Levi unashamedly rolled onto his back and lifted his knees to his chest, holding his legs open.

"No condom…" Smith said hesitantly. Levi huffed impatiently.

"We've already shoved our dicks in each other's mouths and rubbed them against each other, we both know we're clean. Please, hurry before your contemplation makes me soft!"

That was enough for Smith, and he tapped a bit of lotion into his fingers and wasted no time smearing it against Levi's entrance. Levi closed his eyes and tilted his head back, enjoying the feel of those slick fingertips rubbing at him.

"I've wanted to be inside you, too…" Smith admitted softly. "I avoided it in role play because…I just didn't want to be anyone but myself for something so intimate."

Levi stilled to make it easier for Smith to work on him. It was true; for all that 'Dr. Smith' had done to him, he'd never actually inserted his fingers without gloves before. So, when a single finger breeched him it was so warm, so…intimate, just like he'd said. As always, Smith took it slow, gently working up to one knuckle, then two, then a second finger freely in and out until Levi panted and begged him to get on with it. Smith complied, pulling out and tapping out more lotion to slick himself up. When he positioned himself over Levi the smaller man slid all his limbs around him. Smith leaned their foreheads together and they breathed heavily together for a second, the hot tip of Smith's cock burning at Levi's entrance.

"You ready?" He whispered.

"Fuck yes, please…" Levi whispered, clinging harder to the larger man. With a deep breath, Smith pressed his hips forward. Levi grunted and shook as he was filled with the delicious heat and pressure. Slowly, carefully, almost lovingly, Smith pushed his way in, moaning and pressing his face into Levi's dark hair. He dropped a hand to hold his hip as he finally sunk in to the hilt. He stopped and Levi could feel his big frame shaking with effort to hold still.

"It's ok," Levi breathed shortly. "You can move. I'm ready."

"Are you?" Smith gasped, his hands shaking terribly as they held on to Levi. "You're so tight…"

"Yes, yes, come on!" Levi sounded so wanton and desperate, but he was beyond caring. Now that he could feel the heavy pulse of Smith's shaft deep within his body, all he wanted was for it to spear him again and again.

Smith did as he was told, and began to thrust in and out, at a steady pace, while gasps and whimpers escaped from them both. It was wild, messy, hot, and everything that they had both been wanting for weeks now.

"Oh, you feel amazing…" Smith crooned brokenly into Levi's ear, as he rolled his hips in delight. "I haven't felt this…in so long…"

"Don't stop…" Levi begged, voicing that one all-consuming fear that plagued partners in the bedroom when things were feeling so good.

"Oh, I won't, your highness. This feels too good."

Their speech was replaced for long moments by sounds. Beautiful sounds of pleasure and delight taken in one another, as Smith set the pace gradually quicker and quicker, bumping against Levi's prostate and sending thrills of pleasure through him, while Levi did what he could to meet the thrusts. The slapping of flesh on flesh was loud in the silence of the hotel room, filling it with the aura of naughty, filthy activities. Levi's back rubbed against the sheets as the weight of Smith crashing into him over and over jerked his body on the mattress. Levi clung tightly to him, hands wandering when they could, to grasp a handful of flesh here, run over firm muscles there. It was all so wonderful, being surrounded by warm flesh, panting, whining, moaning, sweet broken words of adoration that meant this other person wanted him this way…it was bliss.

It was easy to sense when it all changed; when the desperation and urgency rose to unavoidable levels, to the point where rational thought was abandoned. Smith pulled back, sitting up on his knees, gripping Levi's hips, and slamming his own forward with as much force and speed as he could manage, giving a few loud, bellowing sounds. Levi clutched at the sheets beside him, his feet curling and uncurling as the pleasure wracked through him. His own voice became higher pitched and needy as he watched Smith's face; he looked like he was in pain, with his brows drawn tight and his mouth open and panting. It was beautiful.

"God, I'm close…" Smith grunted. "I can't…stop…"

"Don't!" Levi encouraged. "I'm close too. Please, let's just come!"

A small chuckle came from Smith's lips, sounding higher than usual, hanging from the tight string of his pleasure.

"Yes…yes…"

Blue eyes opened, fixed on Levi's, and fought to stay open as Smith took up a pattern than would see them both up into the clouds. Levi could barely stand that gaze, in the midst of such sensation and joy.

"Levi…oh, god, Levi…"

Something thundered through his heart and mind at those words, something both terrifying and wonderous. Even in the midst of such overwhelming pleasure, Levi managed to grate out,

"The hell?! How do…you…know my name?!"

Smith didn't seem to register the question, as he didn't answer for another several beats.

"Party…" He gasped out. "I pointed you out…and asked…I'm sorry…"

"Fine, I don't care…Just don't stop…"

Smith didn't, and it only took another minute for the thrusting to become erratic, for the short grunts to come, for their blood to boil over…Levi broke first, the pleasure overwhelming him and forcing itself out of his cock and all over their stomachs. Smith faltered as Levi's body clamped down around him, and with a few more staggering thrusts and a great groan, his own hot seed shot out deep inside Levi. They both collapsed, panting harshly like they'd just run a marathon, hot and sweaty and stuck together. Like before, Smith's weight was welcome atop Levi, but even though he wanted to keep clinging to him, his arms had lost all their power, and dropped lifelessly to the mattress.

Not wanting to smother Levi, Smith eventually rolled off of him after several long moments spent recovering their breaths and mouthing at each other's skin. Smith groped for Levi's hand, and clasped it gently as he lay beside him, his other arm across Levi's waist.

"That was insane." Levi breathed into the stillness once they had their panting slowed to mere heavy breathing.

"But amazing." Smith followed up with a mirth-filled chuckle. "It was so worth waiting for. You were so good…"

Levi scoffed and rolled onto his side, plastering himself against Smith and nuzzling into his shoulder. Smith threaded fingers through his hair and kissed his head and the curve of his ear.

"So were you," Levi admitted, "better than anyone I've ever had, I think. I'm not just saying that, either."

"Hmm, I'm flattered. You don't seem the type to hand out false compliments."

"Definitely not. I don't believe in flattery."

"I count myself blessed, then." Smith said, rubbing his hand along Levi's side, up to his shoulder.

"You going to start calling me by my real name, now that you know it?" Levi finally asked. A silence followed the question, and Smith's voice was very quiet when he asked,

"Do you want me to?"

"I wouldn't mind, if you wanted to. But…I'd…um…kinda like to know your first name, too, since you know mine now."

Smith didn't answer him at first, but he pulled Levi closer and sighed against his dark head.

"Don't hate me, Levi, please…but…I need to wait just a while longer to tell you. I promise that I will, I absolutely promise you that. I just can't tell you right now. The moment isn't right."

As he spoke, the man began to paw at Levi, stroke him lovingly, kiss along his skin, begging with everything he had for Levi to forgive him, the fear of rejection written in those actions as well. Levi read the meaning easily, and as frustrated as he felt, knew Smith could be taken at his word. Whatever his reasoning, it would become clear in time.

"Alright, Smith. But don't drag your feet too long. I want to call you something other than 'Smith' or 'doctor'. And if lying here together in a post-sex haze isn't the right time to tell me your real name, I'm damned to figure out what you think is, but I'll wait for you."

At once Smith was speaking that wordless language again, pouring out his gratefulness on Levi by cuddling him closer, and huffing against his skin, stroking his head as he cradled it against him like he was something precious.

"Thank you, Levi. You'll understand, I promise."

))(((

Levi didn't remember falling asleep. He hazily remembered Smith wiping the mess off of them both with a soapy washcloth, then snuggling back up to the man once they were both clean and smelling fresh…then Levi woke to massive discomfort and fear. It was pitch black in the room except the light filtering in under the door and from the window, and it was enough to give Levi a basic outline of everything in the room. In a panicked rush, Levi realized where he was and why, and that he had ignored one very important factor when it came to staying overnight anywhere else but his own home.

He sat up with a gasp and a curse, groping in the dark and finding the side table. The light came on in a painful flash of brilliance, and Levi make a sound of distress. He felt Smith stir beside him and make a quiet, sleepy sound, followed by,

"Levi, what's wrong?"

"Uuug," Levi groaned back, "my contacts…I forgot…"

With sleep-heavy fingers, he peeled the thin lenses from his eyes and flicked them away, not caring where they landed. He never tried to sleep in them, and when he did forget they became rough and gloppy at the same time, rubbing against his eyeballs. Levi didn't care that he'd just wasted his last pair; they would be useless to him without saline anyway. Instantly his eyes felt soothed and, with a sigh, Levi dropped down limply onto the mattress again. A warm arm wrapped over him and tucked him in close to Smith's side.

"You alright?" Smith muttered, pressing a sleepy kiss into the side of his neck.

"Yea, just blind now, is all…" Levi answered around a yawn, and then fell asleep almost at once.

When Levi woke again, it was early morning. The curtain had been drawn back just enough to light up the room, but not enough to wake him. He rolled onto his back, stretching a bit before glancing beside him. Smith was gone. That woke him up a bit, and with his extremely blurry vision he looked toward the bathroom, but the door was open and the room empty.

Had Smith run off on him? It didn't seem like the kind of thing he would do. Squinting, Levi could see the man's tie draped across the hotel chair. It had been on the floor last night, so he must have picked it up and put it there. There was a pile of other clothing that Levi ascertained to be his own, but the tie he could tell for sure because of the bright blue color. If Smith's tie was here, then he was probably not gone, Levi rationalized. That calmed him a bit, knowing for a fact that Smith wasn't the sort to sleep with someone and then take off before they woke up. So wherever he was, Levi trusted that the man had his reasons.

Levi let his mind wander to last night, not that it had anywhere else to go. Last night…he knew it probably wasn't the smartest move considering neither of them seemed to want to be caught (though Levi wasn't in the closet and could care less who knew) but Levi for one didn't regret a second of it. Smith was…so wonderful. Levi sighed happily. He had expected to feel just the smallest bit guilty, but no, he felt incredibly content. He dozed for a while, nearly falling asleep again, until the sound of the door opening woke him up a bit more. He blinked and saw the fuzzy shape of Smith maneuvering through the door. He held two coffee cups and a plate of something, and had to work to get through the door and close it without catastrophe.

"Morning." Smith called quietly, seeing that he was awake and depositing the plate on the table before heading toward the bed.

"Mmm…" Levi groaned. "Too early…"

Smith chuckled came to sit on the bed next to him, dangling one of the coffee cups in his line of sight.

"I brought caffeine."

Levi looked at it, then pulled himself into a reclining position. He reached for the cup and took it, glad to see that it was large.

"Better be good." He mumbled, pulling up one of his knees to brace his foot on the mattress. He took his first sip through the opening of the lid, and shuddered. He closed his eye briefly in delight, and at the same time the sheet over his leg slipped and revealed a good portion of bare leg.

"OK, this is pretty damned good."

Boldly, a large hand slid up his bare knee to rub at his thigh.

"I remembered you said you like any kind of coffee with sugar and milk in it, so I got you an extra-sweet mocha."

Levi deliberately pressed his leg into Smith's touch, and felt it gentle against him.

"You're a god…"

"Hardly." Smith answered humbly. "But I'm glad you like it."

Levi sipped and reveled in the taste for a few seconds while Smith stroked his leg. It was a perfectly natural pause, and they felt comfortable together in the silence.

"I brought a few pastries with me too, did I mention?" Smith said like an afterthought.

Levi stared at him without giving anything away for a while, then leaned forward and kissed the side of his mouth. He could feel the smile on Smith's lips as he kissed back. The hand on Levi's leg closed and held firm. When they parted Levi instantly took another draw from his mocha.

"Food and coffee the way to your heart?" Smith asked cheekily, boldly laying a hand over Levi's taut stomach through the sheet, stroking it a bit.

"Something like that." Levi muttered around the lid of his coffee, all his brainpower going toward how good it felt to have Smith's strong hands on him. Smith grinned and pulled back from him to retrieve the plate of food on the table. He brought it back to the bed and held it out to Levi, who plucked an apple fritter from the small stack. He bit into it at once, groaning at the fresh, fluffy texture and amazing taste. Smith gave an approving nod and began eating as well, sipping his own drink.

"What did you get?" Levi asked.

"Hot chocolate." Levi stopped chewing and looked at him skeptically.

"Really? What are you, five?"

"Who can hate hot chocolate?" Smith argued playfully. "I didn't feel like coffee today."

Levi took another bite of the delicious pastry, and shook his head, speaking through his mouthful a second later.

"Big blonde baby."

Smith grinned even wider, and tipped his hot chocolate at Levi like it was a fine wine.

"Just remember, this big blond baby plowed the living hell out of you last night."

The smaller man nearly choked at that, but managed to wash it down with his mocha. Smith patted him on the shoulder as he quieted, and Levi just shook his head in a disapproving fashion. A few moments of silent munching ensued after, both men sharing little glances and mutual enjoyment of their breakfast.

"You don't have an extra pair of contacts with you, do you?" Smith asked at length.

Levi sighed, swallowed his bite, and shook his head.

"No, I'm blind without them or my glasses."

"I had no idea you wore either. You must be absolutely edible in glasses."

He was filled with too much caffeine to blush solely because of that comment, but Levi did allow himself a flattered little hair flip.

"You may think that now, but, I can't drive without my glasses."

"I'll drive you home if you're alright with that." Offered Smith. "Then you can get your glasses and I'll bring you back here to get your car."

Levi considered that for a moment. He liked Smith, a lot, was convinced at this point that he was interested in maybe even dating him, but he didn't know how comfortable he was with him knowing where he lived. Although, he had taken a good measure of the man over their time together, and he didn't really think he had anything to fear from him. He trusted him.

"As long as you don't mind." Levi told him, taking another large bite from his rapidly diminishing fritter.

"It's no trouble at all." Smith answered. "How far away are you?"

"Not very. Maybe thirty minutes, and-," Levi's eyes suddenly went wide, he sat up in a rush, and said quickly, "oh shit, my dog, Valkyrie! I forgot all about her last night! She must be going nuts wondering where I am!"

"You have a dog?" Smith asked, looking interested. Levi, meanwhile, tossed back the sheets with absolutely no self-consciousness for his nakedness, and began pulling on his clothes.

"Yes, the best damn Doberman on the planet and I left her all alone. Hell, she's going to be missing me like mad!"

Smith watched Levi dress, sipping at his hot chocolate and letting his eyes wander up and down his body freely.

"You're a dog person, then, obviously." He observed. "That's utterly adorable."

Levi worked rapidly to button up his shirt, then tuck it into his unzipped dress pants.

"I'm glad you think so," Levi said, sounding distinctly distracted, "but all I can think about is getting back home now. I haven't left her alone overnight since I got her, never. Hell, where're my socks?!"

"Over by the foot of the other bed." Smith supplied, pointing at the fine socks rumpled up there. Levi grabbed them, then planted himself on the other mattress, tugging the socks on roughly. By the time he went to stand up, Smith was holding up his shoes for him. Levi took them and slipped them on with a muttered 'thank you'.

"I haven't gone without contacts or glasses in years." Levi admitted, as he gathered up the very last of his articles of clothing and readied himself to leave. "I forgot how blind I am…"

Smith pulled on his own suit jacket, and slipped his arm into Levi's with a little jangle of his car keys.

"Shall we?"

The drive in Smith's car was a bit of a blur for Levi. Literally. He saw the entire world in smudges of vague shapes and color. But he knew enough to direct Smith on the route to his house. On the way they listed to the radio, made small talk about nothing, and generally seemed to be comfortable saying nothing at all. Levi was aware of the bond they'd formed last night, how it was something neither of them could take back, and that it would change how they interacted going forward. That didn't seem to be a bad thing right now. If anything, the atmosphere between them was easier, relaxed from the release of tension that had been building between them up until last night. This feeling of contentment and comfortability allowed Levi to jump out of the car literally the second it stopped in his driveway, and rush up to his door without worrying what Smith would do. He unlocked his door to the sound of excited barking and hurried paws scurrying across the interior floor. Valkyrie came bounding out of the open door at once, snuffling loudly and waggling vigorously now that her master had returned.

"Hey, girl! Hey!" Levi consoled, dropping to his knees to pet her, and pursing his lips as he babbled. "I'm so sorry, yes, yes I am. I know, I know, you were all alone, weren't you?"

As Levi was talking to her, the big dog turned and rushed past him as Smith approached. The man laughed as she sniffed all around his feet and legs, before giving her approval in the form of more tail wagging and rubbing her head on his thigh. Smith scratched at her head and grinned at Levi.

"This your baby?" He asked teasingly, as Valkyrie came back to Levi.

"Might as well be." Levi admitted, hugging the wiggling dog around the neck and getting a slobbering kiss as a result. "This is Valkyrie."

"Awesome name." Smith said, holding up an approving 'just right' sign with his fingers. Levi only barely made out the sight between severely squinted eyes, and then shook his head.

"I'm got to put on my glasses." He said, standing back up. "Then I've got to feed and water this girl before we leave. Would you like to come in? Have a glass of water, maybe?"

"I'll come in and wait for you, but I don't need anything to drink, just had all that hot chocolate, remember?"

Levi rolled his eyes as he led Smith inside, closing the door after them.

"That doesn't count. You need plenty of water every day."

"OK, mom." Smith chuckled.

"Just as you please," Levi said, slipping out of his shoes, "no water just means less time between me and getting back to my own car."

The entrance to Levi's house was not very large. The house itself was very tiny, but suitable for a bachelor who didn't want to slum it in an apartment, especially when that bachelor made the kind of money Levi did.

Levi hurried down the hallway into the living room, then down another little hallway into his bedroom, where he entered his master bath in search of his glasses. They were kept in a simple black case in the top drawer, easily accessible in the evenings when Levi took out his contacts. He slipped them on with a sigh of relief at having his vision restored. Until he looked up, and the first thing he saw was himself in the mirror. He looked…fucked over. His hair was a shaggy mess compared to the combed perfection it had been the night before, his fine clothes bore tell-tale signs of misuse in the form of many wrinkles, and…he had two dark hickeys on his neck, one above his collarbone and the other just beneath his jawline. There was no possible way to hide them. Levi wanted to be angry, knew he should be upset that now everyone he worked with would be talking about it amongst themselves when they caught a glimpse of it. He wasn't particularly worried. It certainly wouldn't be the first time he'd show up to work sporting the marks of a hookup.

When Levi returned to his small foyer, Smith was still standing there, respectfully waiting for him while scratching Valkyrie's head. Levi jangled his keys.

"OK, let's go."

Smith blinked at him, and then his lips lifted in a warm smile.

"Wow, you really are adorable in glasses."

Rolling his eyes, Levi leaned over to slip back into his shoes. When he stood back up, Smith stole a quick kiss from him and tapped the side of the black glasses.

"Glad you like them," Levi said, responding with a little peck to Smith's lips, "because I'll have to wear them for a while, waiting for my contacts to come in. I have to order them, you know. Let's get going now, I want to get back so I can shower."

"Hmm…Don't suppose you'd want to do that first? Maybe…together?"

Levi paused. He was tempted, sorely tempted to take Smith up on that offer. But the time didn't seem right.

"Maybe next time." Levi answered, stepping back from Smith and addressing the dog happily circling their feet. "Go on back, girl, you can't come with us."

Levi tried to back out of the door while blocking the big dog from following them. She kept wedging her head between the door and frame, whining. Levi sighed.

"I'm coming right back, girl."

Smith watched as Levi struggled, and got nowhere for a few moments.

"Why not take her with?" He suggested. Levi turned to gawk at the man. "You're kidding, right?"

The blond man shrugged.

"I don't mind her riding in the back seat, and then she'll be with you instead of worrying about you coming home. You're coming right back after anyway."

As if pleading her case, Valkyrie gave out an especially loud yelping whine. Levi broke, and stepped back inside to retrieve her leash. When he locked the door and then led the dog down the front walk, Levi shook his head at Smith as the taller man opened the back seat of his sleek car.

"You're unreal!" He laughed, letting go of the lead when Valkyrie jumped inside. "What kind of boyfriend-ready-material-shop did you escape from?"

Smith closed the door on the dog, who was now eagerly sniffing her new environment. He smiled at Levi and slung his arms around the smaller man's waist.

"I could ask the same of you."

They stared at each other for a split moment, contemplating their words, before leaning in together and sealing their lips. Levi had to lean his head all the way back as the kiss continued, lips moving and tongues skirting each other. It didn't matter to him that it was broad daylight, in the middle of his driveway, in plain sight. He was a grown-ass man, and he could kiss whoever he wanted on his own property.

A sharp bark came from the car, startling them apart.

"Come on, Val!" Levi called playfully, releasing Smith and going toward the car. "You're going to have to learn when not to interrupt!"

Smith laughed with Levi as they got back into the car.

"On the contrary, I'll take that as a blessing."

It was a different atmosphere on the way back to the hotel; the two of them sitting mostly in silence, with Valkyrie panting and sniffling around in the back seat and occasionally poking her head up between them for a pat. Somewhere during the journey, Smith dropped his free hand onto the armrest and snaked their fingers together. Levi let him, and wondered, as his heart raced from the simple gesture, just how far this could all go.

At least, without even knowing this man's real name.

))((

TBC