Made Glorious Spring ( 18+ from page 10 onwards )

Benjamin freezes, his brain having clearly shorted out. "Um. I. ... I can do that."

 

Martin goes in for the kill. "An' if you ain't busy, you want to grab something to eat?"

He looks at Ben's cart, then his own. "....or I could make something?" He hazards.

 

Ben bites his lip, hesitating. "I... Th... that would be nice. If you're sure."

He's... not much of a cook. And he hasn't been to a restaurant in... god. He can get pizza delivered on a good day, but that gets fucking old.

 

"Did I stutter?" Martin grins.

 

How is this his life? This doesn't happen to him.

"Um. I ... can put it in your phone, if you want."

 

"You can write it down at your place?" His expression is friendly, open, and he's doing his damndest to make sure he isn't broadcasting any threatening vibes. "If that's alright?"

 

"I... It's kind of a mess, I don't know if you want to go there," he says quietly. But it's working, he's clearly starting to... well. Not relax, but he's not in danger of outright running away.

 

"Well. Uh. I've got, like. Two roommates?" He cocks his head. "So. Y'know. Four's a crowd, unless that's the kind of thing you're into."

 

From the strangled little squeak, it's... presumably at least not what he was prepared for tonight. "... I... If you're sure."

 

"I don' ask things if I ain't sure." Martin assures him.

 

"I, uh... Now?"

 

Martin looks at his cart, then Ben's. "....if it's cool if I stash my stuff in your fridge?"

 

"... I... Yeah, of course. Uh..." Guess they'll continue down the aisles, then, and then go to check out. Unless Martin starts moving for the door.

Because if he's honest, if Martin drops his cart and starts walking, Ben's just going to follow.

 

Martin talks, casually, feeling Ben out a bit... and asking "so. What do you wanna eat? I'm easy."

 

Ben stutters a lot, obviously shy and awkward, but... friendly. And still very much wanting.

"I... Anything. I'm not much of a cook, unless you just want a frozen pizza..."

 

"Listen," he opens his mouth, closes it. Looks thoughtful. "...okay, wait, First."

He turns properly, holding out his hand. "I'm Martin."

 

Ben hesitates a few seconds too long, before moving in to shake his hand. "... Ben. Benjamin."

He freezes when he touches Martin's skin, more surprised than panicked. "I..."

There is no way he can ask why this guy doesn't feel like a skeleton, when he touches him. But... god, it's been a long time.

 

Martin's skin isn't soft, it's clear he works with his hands, but... it's pleasant to the touch, and he smiles. "Pleasure to meet you. So. What's your favorite meal?"

 

Honestly, Ben doesn't care at all. It's a hell of a shock to touch skin, warm and... and human.

"I... a... anything," he says, clearly panicking when presented with the choice. "I... don't get out that much."

 

"When you were a kid, what did you ask for? What was the thing that made you happiest to see on the table?" He smiles. "You've got to like something, right?"