AN: Sorry for the wait, hope you like this chappie!
REVISED VERSION!
Connor returned home later that evening feeling almost as if he could float away, a smile etched on his face and in high spirits. His date with Stephen had gone well. He fell asleep that night and dreampt of Stephen's laugh.
X-X-X-X
/Earlier that evening…/
He and Stephen met outside his home at 6, and walked together to the nearby tavern. The walk was at first somewhat awkward, the conversation stilted. Connor, somewhat predictably, tripped, and he expected to fall; Stephen caught him, steadying the younger man on his feet.
"Are you alright, Connor?" Stephen asked, frowning with worry.
Connor blinked, flushing as he realized how close they were to one another. He did not say anything about the press of Stephen's hand at his waist, but smiled.
"Yes, but do not worry. I am sorry I did not warn you of my clumsiness earlier, as it is not as uncommon an occurrence as you think." Connor told him, trying for a sense of nonchalance, and not entirely managing it as he did not meet Stephen's eyes.
Stephen was quiet for a moment as they walked, not removing his arm from where it circled Connor's waist, almost as if he had forgotten it was there. He was not ashamed to admit he had no intention of reminding him at this point in time.
"I hope it is not impertinent, but I find myself unable to not worry for your safety and health."
Connor had no good response to that statement, and he blushed, looking forwards. He resisted the urge to pull away as he spotted one of his neighbors walking towards them along the path. He did not want his parents to find out about his interest in Stephen, lest they attempt to stop him from pursuing this, but even less did he desire to seem ashamed to be seen with Stephen. Because he wasn't.
Still, Connor had a feeling Stephen could sense how tense he was, as he let go of his waist. Connor reluctantly pulled away, but did not go very far, falling into step with the man as Mr. Greene walked past them.
As soon as he was out of range, Connor cleared his throat.
"I am not embarrassed to be seen with you in public." he said, glancing at Stephen tentatively. The older man smiled warmly, and his hand brushed against Connor's for a moment.
"Thank you, Connor, your assurance is appreciated, though you don't need to be worried. I would not think so of you." Stephen said, and Connor allowed a sigh of relief.
Conversation turned to idle chatter. Soon they came upon the main street, and headed to the tavern. It was owned by one Abigail "Abby" Maitland, a young woman with both a kind heart and a sharp temper. She knew everyone in the nearby towns, but passed no judgement, and allowed none to be passed upon herself by others. Connor trusted her, and was in fact among those who counted themselves as her friends, but he knew she would tease him mercilessly about that there truly was anything to tease about, as of yet.
That, of course, would be no deterrent to Abby. He would have to make sure she did not have the chance.
x-x-x
Connor laughed at a joke Stephen told, sipping at his drink and grinning more or less like a loon. Stephen had a similar smile on his face, though, so Connor didn't even try to hide his amusement and joy in conversing with the other man. Abby slid Stephen's drink along the bar to him, a quick grin lighting her face as he caught it easily.
"He is better than you at this, Temple." Abby said, chuckling. Connor succumbed to his childish urge, and stuck out his tongue at her.
Stephen's hand was twined with Connor under the bar top, and the blonde man's thumb stroked soothingly over his knuckles. It was fairly distracting, but Connor didn't really mind at all. He was sure that others would think that as he and Stephen hardly knew each other, the intimacy of holding hands was inappropriate, but he could not bring himself to care.