Stephen did not, absolutely did not, spend the rest of his postal route planning how he would apologize to Connor Temple on the morrow. He also did not, of course, think about practicing what he would say, out loud, upon returning home. If he garnered stranger looks than normal from the Temples' neighbors, and there was a certain lightness to his step that had not been there before, well, it was an inordinately nice day. His good humor had nothing whatsoever to do with the beautiful young man he would like to get to know.
Stephen repeated that in his head several times, willing himself to believe it.
He was humming on the way back from his route.
x_x_X_X
Connor stared at the door after he had closed it, shoulders sagging. He berated himself for feeling so out of sorts over Hart. Yes, the man was extremely attractive, and perhaps he had a good mind as well, but Connor had no reason to be upset about being treated as he was due by someone, no matter their appearance or personality.
He sighed, letting go of that thought. It sounded too much like his parents' sort of thinking, and he did not agree at all. His choice in acquaintances at university were proof of the fact that he did not care about social class. He knew he was upset because something about the man, more than just his attractiveness, had drawn Connor in, and then the man had addressed him as 'sir' upon discovering his family name.
He had no more time to ruminate on the subject of Stephen Hart, as his mother emerged from the study, and while looking through the letters that had come by post, became engaged in a discussion that took all of his attention.
He spared a thought of Hart, though, wishing he had not told the courier he was of the Temple family. Perhaps tomorrow they could try to hold a discussion again?
The next day
Connor was restless in his childhood home, feeling stifled by the formality and superiority of his parents, and the home itself. He had been the same as a child, outside as often as he was able to despite asthma and allergies that made his life difficult, and was no different now (though he had less trouble with asthma now, thank goodness). Around midday, he decided upon taking a walk, to enjoy some fresh air.
He walked along the pavement, turned the corner and, on whim, entered the little shop there. It was a smoke shop, which he knew also sold candies, stationary, and other odds and ends, and Connor could never resist purchasing some sweets.
He was strolling and indulging in chocolates and candies, taking his time as he had no urge to return to his previous state of restlessness, when Connor remembered Hart. A strange sort of feeling filed him and made his throat tight, and he began to run, fearing that he would miss the courier. He had no idea why speaking to the man was so important to him, but accepted it as one of those unexplainable things of life. There were many of those, to his understanding.
x_x_X_X
Stephen was still in his good mood throughout his route, despite the still very much cold responses he garnered from the other families. He had of course practiced what he would say, as he didn't want to offend Connor, or make his expressive face close down like that again. It was with a large, silly grin upon his face that Stephen knocked upon the beautiful wooden door (which was a similar color to Connor's eyes, he noted) , and held the post for the Temple household in the other hand.
He bounced on his heels a little, waiting for Connor. Worry began to form, but Stephen stayed standing upon the porch, hoping that this just meant Connor was not in, or was busy, or hadn't heard the knocking.
The door knob was turned, and he could hear the click of the lock. The door opened…
TBC...
AN: Would you rather Connor returned home in time to be the one opening the door, or wouldyou r ather I whump on stephen's emotions some more before having connor return? ;3