Learning To Swim

Chapter Eight: The Dinner

Our boys are finally on the same page, at least so far as their feelings are concerned. Let's see how they do on their very first date. Hopefully Sylvia and Peepers can give them a little space for the rest of the night.

You're getting this chapter very quickly because it would not leave me alone. This story does that to me sometimes.

Hope you like it!

Sylvia dropped her empty glass to join the others on her table in the food court. She gave a deep sigh of contentment, leaning back in a chair which was quite a bit too small for her. It gave a groan, but held, so its weak protest was ignored. Hater's ship really did have the best food court she'd encountered in all their travels around the galaxy. She had to give that to the creep, anyway.

Lifting her head slightly, she glanced around the rest of the food court. There was an empty stretch of tables immediately surrounding her, past which watchdogs on break were nervously whispering as they ate their food. As she'd learned, the soldiers had been ordered not to try to capture Wander, but Hater had quite obviously forgotten that she would be coming, and hadn't given any orders about that. Mostly that seemed to have resulted in a lot of retreating and suspicious glances from the watchdogs present, as well as a great deal of frightened muttering whenever she wasn't looking their way.

Sylvia had ignored them for the most part. After the chaotic start to the evening, she'd needed a drink and needed it bad, so she'd gone straight here, ordered a few dozen beverages and some nachos to keep them company, and proceeded to enjoy herself thoroughly.

Now that she was finished, however, she found herself feeling a little restless. It had only been about half an hour, which meant she probably had at least a couple more hours before Wander would be ready to leave. Even then, she'd probably have to go and get him, given how distracted he usually got when he was around Hater.

She frowned at the thought, unconsciously crushing one of her empty cups with one fist. After talking to Hater and seeing him actually get worried about Wander, she was less concerned about her friend's physical safety, but she still didn't like the idea of him being alone with the overlord, especially if things did start getting romantic between them. Hater was not the most considerate person, point of fact, he might be one of the least considerate people she'd had the displeasure of meeting. And she knew from her own awful experience just how much of a dreadful date he was. Moreover, Hater had always been obsessed with her buddy and Wander, true to form, was always way too accommodating, especially with Hater, as evidenced by the numerous times he'd allowed the skeleton lord to strap him to a torture rack and point deadly lasers at him.

If Hater was actually interested in Wander romantically, Sylvia didn't trust him to be a gentleman, and she didn't want Wander to go along with something he wasn't comfortable with because he liked Hater or wanted him to be happy.

But, as appealing as it was, she couldn't follow them, barge in and get Wander out of there. She'd promised her buddy to give him and Hater some space tonight, and she couldn't go back on her word. Wander had been so excited for this, and she did want him to be happy.

But she also wanted him to be safe.

She sighed again, much less contentedly this time.

She should probably also avoid sneaking in and spying on them. That wasn't fair to Wander. She was just going to have to trust he could handle things on his own.

Still, she probably wasn't the only person on the skull-ship who was unhappy with the situation. Peepers hadn't looked exactly thrilled after getting busted for the whole kidnapping thing and yelled at by his boss. Sylvia wouldn't put it past him to try something disruptive or sneaky, even when it was clear Hater didn't want him to. If she was stuck leaving Hater in Wander's hands, then maybe she should go see what the optic nerd was up to. At the very least, she'd be able to make it clear how much pain he'd be in if he tried any more kidnapping attempts in the near future.

Heaving herself off the tiny chair, Sylvia headed for the food court's door. She did promise Wander she'd be able to find something to entertain herself after all, and regardless of whether it would be useful or not, teasing the watchdog commander was always entertaining.

Wander glanced over at Hater as he took another bite of his salad. The skeleton lord was chewing one corner of his steak, the rest of it dangling, eyes glued to the screen over the fireplace. Wander winced slightly at the sound of laser fire but didn't look, preferring to watch his companion instead.

After they had been eating for a few minutes, to the soft beat of the speakers along the back wall, Hater had pushed some buttons on the remote and the large portrait over the mantlepiece had changed into a big T.V. screen. Hater had been excited to start the movie. Apparently, it was from one of his favourite series' and had just been released. Wander had been interested, but it had immediately been apparent, even before the credits started rolling, that it wasn't exactly going to be his cup of tea.

He was glad he'd taken the time to tell Hater how he felt and find out the skeleton's own feelings, or he'd probably be even more confused right now. The movie really didn't seem like something you watched on a date.

Still, Wander didn't really mind. He was happy just to be here and spend some time with his buddy, and to finally be sure of how Hater felt about him after all his fretting. It seemed like Hater wasn't that comfortable talking about his feelings just yet, but he'd certainly communicated in other ways.

This whole thing seemed to have happened so fast. For a while now, Wander had been aware that Hater's actions towards him had been getting, well, less violent, he supposed. He hadn't been entirely sure whether it was because Hater actually despised him less, or if the skeleton lord had just given up hope of being able to kill him. Hater still chased him, captured him and tried to blast him, but it was done with less energy. Regardless of the reason, that had made Wander a little more comfortable around his friend. He was able to get away with things he wouldn't have tried at the start of their relationship, and he'd even experienced quite a few visits where Hater had gotten distracted for a few minutes, and seemed to forget they were enemies, times when they had chatted about something, or Hater had asked his advice, before remembering and trying to blast him again.

But the destruction ceremony had been a whole other thing altogether.

Hater had never enjoyed his company for so long, never gotten excited over planning something with Wander or been so happy to hear his advice. He'd never smiled at Wander wholeheartedly before. That was what had made it easy for Wander to stay, to not escape when he'd had the opportunity. He hadn't wanted to desert his friend, to disappoint him after everything they'd worked on together. He hadn't wanted to be the one to take that all-too rare smile away.

He hadn't expected everything that had happened afterward.

Now all of that seemed like ages ago, even though it had only been a couple of weeks. They had gone from their normal routine of chase and be chased to Hater actually inviting him over for a date. To Hater wanting to spend time with him.

Finishing the last of his salad, Wander placed his fork in the empty bowl, eyes naturally sliding back over to Hater. The screams from the television were a momentary distraction, but he quickly glanced away and back at his companion. Hater, at least, seemed to be enjoying the movie. The remains of his steak had dropped out of his mouth to rest mostly on his plate again, and his eyes were wide as he watched, mouth slightly open in suspense and hands clenched on his knees as he leaned forward slightly. That sight made Wander smile, at any rate. He always loved seeing Hater enjoy himself, and he'd gotten to see it so rarely over the past two years.

He hoped he hadn't worried Hater when he'd started crying earlier. He'd just been so happy. He was still so happy.

At the same time, he was still feeling a little flustered from Hater's kiss, that cool tingly feeling of his mouth and the hungry look in his eyes as he'd held Wander close. That look had been as electrifying as the kiss. Instead of a desire to hurt, there had been another kind of passion to it, one Hater had never had before when he'd been looking at the nomad. It had given Wander a pleasant, twisty feeling all through his guttyworks, one that lingered slightly even now.

When he thought about it, Hater had seemed a little less averse to his touches today, even when they hadn't been kissing. True, he had been a bit embarrassed when Wander hugged him, but he hadn't pushed him away, and had even kind of hugged him back. Wander smiled again at the thought. He hadn't seemed like he was too bothered by Wander being close to him either. So now that both of them looked to be finished eating, maybe Hater wouldn't mind if he got a little more comfortable.

Hater was focused intensely on the movie. Galactic Conqueror: Ezelbeth 4 was just as good as the last three, and had a considerably higher budget. He leaned forward eagerly as a glowing, red bomb went off, creating a chain reaction of explosions all across a stubborn planet, reducing it to a pile of cosmic slag.

His attention was drawn sharply away from the screen when he felt something touch his side. His eyes shot down to see that Wander had moved closer on the cushions until his fur was brushing Hater's robe. When Wander caught his startled gaze, the nomad offered him a shy little grin, followed by a not quite as shy eyebrow waggle. As Hater watched, Wander inched himself just slightly closer, leaning his head against Hater's side. One furry hand slid slowly up Hater's robe to rest on his leg.

Hater was frozen stiff, eyes unblinking as he stared at Wander, his brain distantly registering the warmth of the small body pressed against him, the softness of Wander's hand on his femur, through the cloth of his robe. He swallowed thickly, feeling that same stirring deep inside him again, suddenly bringing back into focus his memories of Wander's scent and the taste of his lips. In the background, the movie played on, forgotten.

Wander didn't seem to want to do anything else. Once it became clear Hater wasn't going to push him off or move away, Wander relaxed some more, leaning his full weight on Hater, snuggling into his side a little. His eyes slipped away to the gently crackling flames of the fireplace, smile content. Hater found himself loosening up as well after a few moments, Wander's warmth and softness surprisingly cozy. It kind of reminded him of cuddling with Captain Tim, except without all the ripping, scratching and acid spitting.

There was a kind of deliberateness to the way Wander had moved as he shifted next to him and the look in his eyes. It was as though Wander had been asking his permission, making sure Hater was okay with him getting closer. That was kind of nice. He was used to Wander flinging himself at Hater, avoiding his lightning and latching onto him. He was used to having to pry the pest off, trying to incinerate him and failing miserably. Wander's hugs had never been enjoyable to him, and had only gotten more uncomfortable once those weird feelings had started. Well, he guessed the last few times Wander had hugged him had been at least kind of pleasant.

Wander had always wanted to be close to him, even from the very beginning. It was like Wander had said way back at the beginning of all of this. He'd said he liked hanging around Hater, regardless of what they were doing. He'd enjoyed their time together even when the overlord was trying to kill him. Hater still wasn't really comfortable with being close to Wander, of just…hanging out without any destruction attempts, but having his small body pressed gently against him felt…nice.

It was still a little nerve wracking, however. Hater felt hyper aware of every part of him Wander was touching. He felt electrified, as though the sparks of his power were slowly sizzling through his bones.

He tried to turn his attention to the movie again, now that Wander seemed settled, but he couldn't get his mind back to the destruction on screen. Wander was so so close. Hater could feel his thin chest moving as he breathed, the tickle of Wander's fur on the bare bones of his right arm and the warmth that seemed to radiate from the little nomad. His eyes kept sliding away from the T.V. screen and back to Wander, even though Wander wasn't looking at him now.

His gaze focused again on that small orange hand on his thigh, just resting there gently. Did Wander want Hater to hold his hand? That was something couples did on dates, right?

Hater had never really held hands with anyone, not romantically, just as he'd never kissed someone before that night at the fair. He'd grabbed Wander's hands in anger plenty of times, but that had been different.

Still, it was an appealing thought. Sitting together in front of the crackling fireplace, watching the movie and holding hands. It was something he'd always wanted, though he'd never imagined wanting it with Wander.

Hater's hands had been resting on his knees as he bent forward to watch the movie. Slowly he straitened, leaning back a little until the cushions of the couch were supporting him, watching Wander warily. Wander didn't move except to snuggle into him a little more. Slowly, Hater's hand slid along his robe until it rested on his thigh, close beside Wander's. Then just a little bit closer, until the tips of his gloved fingers were touching the soft fur on Wander's hand.

Hater pulled his gaze away from Wander, forcing himself to look back at the T.V. screen. He didn't want to be weird by staring too much. Ezelbeth was in the middle of a villainous monologue, but he didn't hear her, far too focused on what he was doing. He started moving his again, guiding himself by touch as he covered the smaller hand with his own. He closed his fingers around Wander's and felt the nomad's hand close around his in turn, slender fingers fitting perfectly around his phalanges. It was nice. Hater felt an absurd burst of pride. He'd done it! He still didn't look back at Wander though. He didn't know what expression he'd be wearing now.

He tried to go back to watching the movie again, but he was still feeling distracted, his attention divided between the screen and the nomad leaning against him. Wander's hand was small and soft in his, and occasionally, Wander would stroke his thumb along Hater's glove or give his fingers a small squeeze, and every time he did that, Hater's focus would snap back to him. When Hater was feeling especially daring, he gave Wander's fingers a squeeze of his own.

He was usually distracted when he was around Wander, but this was a distraction he supposed he didn't really mind. He still felt strangely energized by the contact, but also, somehow, content. He didn't want to pull away, to blast the smaller alien or chase after him through the corridors of the skull ship. It was nice just to sit beside him and hold his hand instead.

Wander stayed pressed against him for the rest of the movie.

When the credits finally started rolling, he moved away slightly, letting go of Hater's hand and tilting his head to smile up at Hater as he stretched his arms and wiggled his feet off the side of the couch. Hater didn't quite smile back, but he wasn't glaring either, and his face felt relaxed. He had watched the remainder of the movie with half his mind, never getting fully back into it. He'd probably have to watch it again, as he could only remember the plot points vaguely. He would have been annoyed at Wander for distracting him if the distraction hadn't been so strangely pleasant.

"So, what's up next buddy?" Wander asked. Then he stopped suddenly, one hand over his mouth. "Oh," he said softly.

"'Oh' what?" Hater asked. He felt oddly cold now that Wander had pulled away from him.

"'S nothin' much." Wander smiled at him again but distractedly, as though he had something on his mind. His eyes drifted down to his lap, and when they found Hater's again, the skeleton noticed that he looked hesitant, and a little shy. "I was just wonderin' if I should be callin' you my boyfriend."

"Um, what?" Hater drew back slightly, feeling his cheekbones heat up immediately, crackling with tiny sparks of electricity. He hadn't thought about that. If he and Wander were going out, that probably did make them boyfriends. That made sense, but it made the whole thing feel too real suddenly and he stiffened.

Wander seemed to notice his discomfort. He reached out to rest one furry hand gently on Hater's humorous bone. "Am I movin' a little too fast, Hatey?" he asked softly. "I didn't wanna push you."

Hater shook the hand off, glaring down as a way of covering up his confusion.

"You're not pushing me," he snapped. "No one pushes Lord Hater, and it's not too fast for me either! It's just not…"

"Hater…" Hater's glare faltered at Wander's serious face. "It's okay to not be ready for that. I prolly shouldn't 'a said anythin' at all. This is only our first date, after all. We don't have ta worry 'bout names 'r nothing yet." His hand found Hater's arm again, giving him a gentle squeeze. "Not 'till ya wanna."

Hater looked away, but he didn't move away from Wander's hand this time.

"I guess," he mumbled.

Wander moved closer again, managing to catch Hater's eye. He was smiling again now, but it was a very small smile.

"How about we wait fer now, an' when you know what ya wanna call us, you c'n tell me?" he offered.

Hater turned again so he was fully facing Wander. He still felt a little embarrassed, and he didn't want to admit it, but Wander's words had made him feel better, even though part of him felt oddly disappointed. It should be his decision, after all. He crossed his arms.

"Fine," he conceded grudgingly. He felt himself start to relax again, some unknown pressure lifting off of him. His glower softened slightly.

Wander's smile widened, eyes twinkling up at Hater in the firelight. He turned his attention to his hand on Hater's arm, deliberately walking two fingers up the bone, smile turning slightly mischievous.

"So, what did ya have in mind for after tha movie, Hater?"

Hater stared at those fingers, gaze zeroing in like a target lock. His brain seemed to skip. Wander had to be doing that on purpose. He felt that tugging feeling inside him again. He knew what he wanted to happen after the movie. He'd been hoping for more smooching, especially after the reminder of what it was like kissing Wander and after sitting next to him all throughout. But he felt like he couldn't say that, not with Wander right next to him, touching his arm and smiling at him like that.

Abruptly, Hater stood, forcing his gaze away from Wander as he crossed the dim-lit room.

"Desert!" he announced, making a show of going over to the cupboard against the back wall. He needed to take a moment to collect himself, calm his turbulent emotions. He was supposed to be smooth, in charge, debonaire. He was supposed to be sweeping Wander off his feet, not feeling unnerved over by every little thing the nomad did.

Hands braced on the cabinet; Hater took a deep breath. Confident. He had to be confident.

He reached inside, retrieving a covered plate along with a bottle in a bucket of ice and two glasses. Turning back, he saw Wander peaking over the top of the deep red couch, just his hat and his big eyes visible.

With an effort, Hater straitened, sweeping back to the couch and placing bucket, glasses and plate on the coffee table. He did this with slightly more force than intended, making the glasses rattle, though they didn't break, fortunately. Wander was sitting cross legged again, hands on his knees. He leant forward, stretching his neck to get a good look.

"Whatcha got there, Hatey?"

Hater lifted the lid, Wander ooooing appreciatively as he did. It did look really nice; a variety of chocolates, truffles and little cups of mousse arranged artfully on the silver plate. Hater had gotten one of the watchdogs to order them from a nearby bakery and arrange them for him earlier today.

Hater sat stiffly on the edge of the couch, watching as Wander leaned over still farther to get a better look in the firelight. The chocolates looked great, and ordinarily Hater would already be stuffing them into his face but his mind was elsewhere, and he was still feeling odd, his throat feeling closed off and the area where his stomach should be tight with nerves and strange little tingles.

"Wow, these look amazing!" Wander exclaimed. He was leaning so far off the couch now Hater was surprised he hadn't fallen. Wander looked over at him, sideways grin wide." But ya know," he continued, face turning thoughtful. "I'm a might be too full ta eat these at the moment. How about we have a drink an' enjoy this fire for a bit first?"

Hater shot Wander a glance, wondering if the little nomad had once again managed to read his thoughts. He shrugged, trying not to show the relief he felt at the suggestion.

"Sure, it is a pretty cool fire," he conceded.

Wander was already lifting the bottle out of the ice bucket, examining it with interest. Hater had initially planned to order wine for the two of them but, remembering the aftermath of his dentist appointment, had decided to avoid anything that could potentially lead to him acting stupid in front of Wander.

He took the bottle from Wander's hands, carefully uncorking it and filling both glasses with the sparkling lemonade.

Wander lifted his glass, toasting Hater silently before taking a sip. Hater grabbed his own glass, taking a nervous gulp and wondering if he should, after all, have prepared something stronger. Maybe it would have at least worked to settle his nerves.

Looking back at Wander again, Hater watched in confusion as the nomad hopped off of the couch, carrying his glass carefully, and settling himself instead on the dark red carpet, close in front of the fire.

"What are you doing?" Hater demanded.

"Just gettin' comfy!" Wander winked, patting the space beside him by way of invitation. "Ya said yerself, it's a real nice fire."

Hater scoffed, but found himself rising and walking over to Wander anyway, not without muttering "You really are a weirdo."

Wander grinned at that, completely unbothered. Hater lowered himself to the floor, stretching out his feet towards the warm blaze. The thick carpet was surprisingly comfortable, but it was still strange to be sitting on the floor instead of the couch.

Wander hummed contentedly. He reached down to undo his laces, slipping his shoes off and wiggling his toes in their socks in the direction of the fire, leaning back on his elbow. He seemed to be watching Hater more than the crackling flames, eyes half lidded and smile relaxed. The firelight played on him, highlighting the hairs on his face, the sparkle in his eyes and his long lashes.

Hater watched him almost in disbelief. When had he started noticing every little thing Wander did; the way he moved and smiled and spoke? When had it started drawing his attention this way? He didn't know the answer. He only knew that he did notice it now and it was driving him crazy! It made him want to get closer to Wander, to hold him again and run his fingers through his fur.

Yet it also made him incredibly nervous, and he wasn't even sure why. Wander liked him; he knew that for certain now, and Wander liked touching him and kissing him. So why was Hater so afraid?

He frowned at that thought.

Had he forgotten who he was? He was Lord Hater, planetary conqueror. He shouldn't be afraid. He especially shouldn't be afraid of Wander.

Wander was reclining beside him, fur standing out against the dark carpet, hands pillowing his head, smiling that familiar smile at him.

Hater felt like the fire wasn't just in the fireplace but inside him as well. He couldn't tear his eyes away from Wander.

"So, we're sitting here." Hater could hear the harsh tone of his voice and tried to soften it. "What, um, what do you want to do next?" he asked.

Wander lifted himself slightly, arms supporting his torso and bringing his face closer to Hater.

"Anythin' you wanna do, Hatey." There was that implication in his voice again, and Hater swallowed, mouth feeling dry.

"Yeah?" Hater felt his heart speed up in his chest cavity, that strange desire for something unknown rushing through him again.

Wander nodded, eyes warm, smile wide and inviting.

Hater supposed, distantly, that that was nothing new. Wander was always happy to do whatever Hater wanted to do, happy to go along with the overlord's attempts to destroy him on live T.V. or send him to a pit of perpetual pain.

But none of that was what Hater wanted right now.

With a deep breath, Hater pulled himself closer on the thick carpet, eyes locked on Wander's face.

He was Lord Hater, after all, and Lord Hater did what he wanted.

Thanks for reading!

Wander wasn't really enjoying the movie, so he found something else to enjoy.

We've gotten a couple of nice relaxing chapters. Surely everything will be fine from here on out, right?

Next update is probably Never Hurts To Help or another chapter for this story. We'll see.

See you soon!