“Then i’ll just have to try not to wake you too early! Just… early enough.” he said with a smile,early enough for sex, but late enough for Jasper to sleep, not wanting to have a sleepless Jasper on his hands, maybe he’d be cranky, grumpy, from lack of sleep. He’d find out all about that soon enough it seemed.
Carson smiled at the excuses coming out of the other mans mouth and he smiled to him “Oh, and here i was thinking you were the helpful type. What with your choice in profession and things.” he teased to the other man and chuckled. “Not everything, but, it’d be nice.” he said and smirked.
What did Jasper have in mind? He couldn’t wait to find out if he was honest, he wanted all the appreciation. “Well, what else did you have in mind?” he asked, raising a brow at the other man, his mind running riot now, his imagination was nothing if not wild.
“Depends.” he said with a chuckled “You going to let me fuck you over the kitchen counter later?” he asked with a cheeky look on his face as he looked over the other man, and put the box down. “Come on then, it’s not exactly rocket science though.”
Jasper laughed softly, always so unbearably charmed by Carson. “Early enough, huh,” he drawled, knowing exactly what Carson was alluding to. He had to say, he certainly liked the idea of that, of being woken by Carson’s lips on his, his hands on his body. Fuck. Yeah, he really liked it. He and his dick were definitely in agreement there.
“Helpful? Me?” Jasper asked, acting shocked. “I thought we just discussed you spoiling me?” Truthfully, Jasper was the helpful sort. To a fault, probably. Perhaps it was because he was horrible at saying no, or because he was an innate people pleaser. It was how he ended up in some of the situations he did, really.
God, did Carson know how hot he was when he did the whole cocking one eyebrow thing? Jasper smiled, locked eyes with Carson, only to give a small, one-shouldered shrug, hand lifting so that his thumb could drag along his lower lip. “Just a few things,” he drawled. “Involving my mouth and your cock.” He let his hand drop away then, smile all innocence.
He watched as Carson set the box down, really, really hating how attractive he was in casual clothes -- also hating how much he wanted to take them off. It should be illegal to be this attracted to someone, honestly. “Depends,” he parroted back at Carson, enjoying the banter. “You going to fuck me over the counter hard enough to leave bruises?”
He chuckled, purposefully brushing up against Carson as they made their way towards the kitchen. “But, coffee first, right?”
“You want wining and dining?” he asked with a smirk, not sure he saw Jasper at the most expensive places in the city, but he was definitely going to take him. Jasper would look great in a suit, though, maybe a little out of his depth, but with Carson by his side, nobody would question it.
Seeing that reaction as he straddled him, was so fucking satisfying, like a cold drink after hours in a desert. He felt refreshed, rejuvenated, and he had to grin, probably a little too widely as watched Jasper agree to try and stay out of trouble. “Good, you should never make promises you can’t keep. Thats’ usually my thing.” Carson teased and kissed the other back, tasting beer and hot dog and enjoying it.
The fact he had to pull himself away from the other made him whimper slightly, he knew Jasper would have plans, but he still didn’t like sharing him, not when he was having so much fun. It was just a good job that Savannah was family, and someone Carson liked, or he’d of demanded more of Jaspers time and attention, maybe even thrown a tantrum like a toddler. But he let go, kissed the other goodbye, and headed to the club to check up on his workers.
***
Nightingale, like always, was looking after itself but on one of the busiest nights of the year, and with his offer of three drinks, he was glad to be there, to keep an eye on any troublemakers.
He’d managed to get everything under control and retire to the office till Jasper showed up, honestly, it was a little later than he’d imagined, which was worrying. Either he was having fun with Savannah, or he was getting in trouble with Savannah.
He was leaning back in his chair when his phone buzzed. Was that him? Was he on his way? It was cute, that might be texting just to let him know he was okay. This was what couples did, like real couples, and it was adorable, if not a little weird. So he put his drink down and reached for his phone.
Finishing his drink, he presumed that Jasper would be okay in HIS bar for a few minutes and slowly got up, walking out of his office to see some guy taking hold of Jaspers wrist, in a very aggressive manner. The dominant walking closer to hear the vulgar comment and he almost laughed, almost. A snort escaped, and as he watched the other man try to what, kiss Jasper, who clearly wasn’t agreeing to any of this, his fingers flexed.
Even the bar tender stood back as she saw Carson coming, and a customer got up from their seat to move away as a possessive boyfriend, and a very unhappy club owner, reacted to the trouble maker in his club by taking hold of his hair and yanking his head back, before slamming it against the bar and yanking him off his seat. “The man said no, quite vocally.”
He couldn’t distinguish if this was because he hated people that caused a scene in his place, or because this was Jasper, but Carson could already see the bouncers on their way to him, as he knelt down by the man on the floor, his nose bleeding and he smiled, it was meant to be polite, but he was almost sure it was more shark like than anything else “Touch him again, ever, and they’ll find your body floating in the harbour. Understand?”
The man was growling, but he nodded and Carson stood up as the bouncers took hold of the troublemaker and walked him out, Carson’s attention turning to Jasper. “I want to ask if you’re okay, but you seem to drunk to answer me.” he said and looked to the bartender, clearly unimpressed they’d carried on supplying drinks to him,
Reaching out, he took Jasper by the wrist, pulling him towards his office.
One moment, Jasper’s heart had been jumping, quite sure this asshole was going to force a kiss on him, the next thing he knew, the man’s face was being slammed against the bar, his grip on Jasper finally loosening enough he could wrench himself free.
He was vaguely aware that Carson was nearby, his intoxicated brain taking several seconds to process it had been Carson who’d so violently slammed the guy’s head into the bar, was the reason blood was pouring from the guy’s nose, where he lay crumpled on the ground.
Jasper couldn’t find it within himself to feel pity for them man. If anything, he felt a sick sort of satisfaction at having Carson be the one who’d defended him in such a way. It was certainly the first time, outside of Savannah, someone had stepped up to bat for him without him having to verbally ask. And, perhaps because he was drunk, he was a little more than turned on by the display.
Jasper didn’t normally condone violence, would privately admit to having worried about Carson’s more volatile side, but seeing it on full display here? For him? He found himself a bit enamored with this side of his Dominant, truth be told.
“‘m not that drunk,” he murmured in protest, but he didn’t fight Carson as he took him by the wrist and began to pull him towards his office. If anything, he was secretly happy to get out from under all the eyes that were currently fixated on them. Sure, their relationship hadn’t really been a secret, but if anyone had any lingering doubts, the current display would’ve washed them away.
Jasper swallowed, feeling -- now that Carson was here, now that he felt safe, protected -- the first wave of shame wash over him. He knew he had no reason to feel such a way, and yet he couldn’t fight it. How was he expected to look Carson in the eye? Would he be mad at him, too? Jasper swallowed, nerves swirling uncomfortably in his gut.
He didn’t want Carson to be mad at him. He cleared his throat, starting to feel the full effect of the alcohol now. “Are you mad?” he asked, trying his best not to sound as small as he felt.
Was Jasper blushing? What did he say do get such a reaction? The little pink tint to Jaspers face and neck was more than adorable, it was beautiful and he wanted to get this to happen more and more. He was learning to love this man even more, the little things he did, like rubbing his neck when he blushed, and he Carson was already addicted to that smile, it was like viagra to him, an instant turn on.
This really wasn’t the time to think about this kind of stuff, the last thing he needed was to pitch a tent in his jeans when he was carrying boxes. He cleared his throat and tried to clear his mind at the same time, but it was hard when he saw the way Jasper was looking at him. That bastard! Did he know what that was doing to him?
“Well I mean, I usually work till 3am sometimes 5am, and I just wondered if I’d see you before you go.” he replied and smiled. Yeah, he meant morning sex, even if that was a quickie before Jasper left for the early shift. “Why would any sex be off the table?” he smirked, before he looked over Jasper and teased “Oh, I see how it is, you’re moving in, I’m doing all the work!” he chuckled, noticing there wasn’t a box in the other mans hands.
“Well I hope you will at least make me coffee’s when you’re settled in. I’m not doing all the work you know!”
///
Jasper could admit it, he liked the idea of waking up to Carson coming home, smelling of work, of himself, still dressed up while Jasper was a sleep-mussed mess. “Yeah, you’d see me,” he affirmed. He normally didn’t have to leave until 6am, his shifts starting at seven or eight, depending on the day. Maybe they’d even get to laze around in bed together before Jasper had to get dressed.
Jasper laughed. “What can I say? Maybe it turns me on to watch you work,” he drawled, gaze drifting down to trace the toned lines of Carson’s biceps. “Besides, what’s the point in hiring movers if you’re not going to let them do all the heavy lifting?”
“That all you want? Coffees?” Jasper teased, with a smirk. “I was thinking of a few other ways to show my appreciation after I’d settled in.... but if you want coffee, who am I to argue with you, the Dominant?”
The grin he wore was of the shit-eating variety. He stood, pocketed his knife, and moved in close to Carson, hands moving to rest under the box the other currently carried, sharing the load of the weight. “Gonna let me take this so you can show me how to use the coffee maker?”
There was nothing better than a cheap stuffed animal, especially when it came from a lover. Already Carson could imagine the other man annoyingly saying, no forcing that Koala on the bed, and having it take up all the room. Yeah, the other man was probably going to playfully irritate him, and he actually looked forwards to that. He couldn’t wait for Jasper to move in, even if it meant that Koala was coming with him.
“That sounds like a threat.” he teased, and smiled. Most people wouldn’t dare threaten Carson, even in jest, but it just showed how comfortable they were around each other. Carson only smiled and imagined play fights in the middle of the night or sneak attacks. Maybe Jasper was going to be trouble.
“I prefer steak and a good whisky, but when in Rome.” he said and smiled. Hot dogs and beer it was.
He smiled as he took the dog, and the plastic cup, smirking to himself. The experience was everything as he knew the dog would be canned and the beer would be shit, but he was going to enjoy it none the less. He took a sip of the beer and it confirmed his suspicions, but he had high hopes for th dog, you couldn’t really go wrong with a sausage.
Walking over to the picnic table, he climbed on to the bench and looked at Jasper, he looked so good, tastier than the hot dog. He smelled better too. He wondered if he was weird, noticing things like the way the other smelled, a mix of cologne and shampoo. Like he’d made an effort. It was cute, adorable, and in a way, damn fucking sexy.
Smirking at the mention of Savannah, Carson just nodded as he took a bite of his hot dog. He’d actually expected as much, so the suggestion wasn’t a surprise. He chewed his dog, almost sure he put too much in his mouth and jasper would be staring at him, thinking he was a pig, but it was too late now.
“Mhhmm.” he agreed as he swallowed it down “ Yeah, I’ll be there! Just try not to get in to too much trouble without me.” he chuckled, not sure his cousin was going to be the best influence.
He finished his dog and got up, moving closer to Jasper and straddling him, looking down at him “Just remember who you belong to while you’re out and about.” he warned, teasing a little as he leaned down and kissed the other man.
Jasper laughed, far too amused by the sight of Carson eating a hot dog like he was one of the many peons of Silver Creek and not a well-known personality from an even more well-known family. He downed the rest of his beer with a snort. “Well, guess I’ll just have to give you the opportunity to wine and dine me later, then.”
It had appeal, that was for sure, the idea of going to some fancy restaurant, the setting intimate, sitting close to Carson in the low lighting, eating food far too expensive. Jasper wouldn't deny he loved seeing Carson dressed to the nines. A fitted suit looked ridiculously good on the man.
His thoughts were interrupted as Carson shifted, moving to straddle him, eyes serious as he told him to remember who he belonged to. His mouth parted, as if his body was anticipating the kiss that came next, sweet and consuming. Shit, Jasper was so gone for Carson it was bordering on ridiculous. His eyes fluttered closed, cheeks tinted pink as he kissed the man back, almost rueful they had to part, even if just for a little while.
But, he’d promised Savannah.
“Yeah, yeah,” he breathed between them, chest so warm. “I’ll do my best, but no promises.” It was a cheeky jest -- he doubted Savannah and he’d be able to find anything troublesome at something as wholesome as the Spring Bash. Still, Jasper hooked his finger in Carson’s collar and pulled him closer, kissing him again, this time deeper, the beer in his veins helping him to not care who witnessed it.
“See you later,” he whispered against Carson’s lips, longing lingering in the parting words.
***
Jasper might have been a little more than tipsy. Drunk, possibly. He’d had a little too much fun with Savannah, teasing her about Elliot and, in return, getting roasted for his relationship with Carson. There had been several drinks and a mishap at the face-painting booth. Half his face was artfully colored in oranges and blacks, a very impressive monarch butterfly painted in bold strokes across the left side of his face.
His hair, he was sure, was a windblown mess, and his clothes, which he’d made sure were pressed and immaculate that morning, were now adorably rumpled. He looked a mess, he was sure, but he felt great. He’d always been a happy drunk -- an affectionate one, too.
Savannah had to practically pry him off her when she’d (well, Elliot, really, the only sober one between the three of them) had dropped him off at the Nightingale, where he’d promised to meet up with Carson. He’d waved her off, assured her he’d be fine, that he didn’t need babysitting. He wasn’t that drunk.
In hindsight, he probably should’ve made her stay at least, until he’d met up with Carson. When he was sober Jasper had his walls up, sky high, vigilant in his surroundings, in what was going on. But, now that he’d a few drinks and he was feeling warm and loose-limbed, his guard had dropped, as had his awareness.
Perhaps it was silly to feel safe in a night club, of all places, but Jasper associated the place with Carson and Carson, well, he was safe.
So, he’d parked himself at the bar, fumbled with his phone for several seconds, before sending Carson a quick: I’m here, at the bar, text message. Then he’d smiled stupidly at the bartender and sweet talked her into giving him a drink, though she’d eyed him with a very distinct, don’t make me regret this, stink face.
He waved her off with a cheeky smile before he began to sip on his drink. It tasted watered down which was likely by design, but Jasper didn’t care much. Not when he was on the right side of horny and there to see his Dominant.
That’s when he felt the hand enclose around the back of his neck, pressure harder than usual, something feeling off about it. Jasper reacted a bit slower than normal, reaction time dulled by the alcohol in his blood. He expected Carson when he shifted, having already relaxed into the hold.
However, he stiffened immediately when it wasn’t, in fact, Carson, who’d touched him so intimately without permission.
Instead, a man Jasper didn’t recognize had saddled up next to him, the grip on his neck tightening as he locked eyes with the stranger. He grinned at Jasper, the sort of smirk that could only be described as smarmy. “You’re pretty,” he said, like it was supposed to be flattering he had his hand around the back of his neck and he so magnanimously also thought Jasper was pretty.
Christ, Jasper detested these types.
He also hated that his reflexes were dulled, head muddled and dizzy from the alcohol. It didn’t, however, dull the sharpness of his wit. “You tell all the men you touch without permission that?” he asked, scathingly. “I’d appreciate it if you let go of me.”
“No please sir?” the man sneered, doing the exact opposite of what Jasper asked, grip tightening to a painful degree as he jerked him forward so that he could whisper in Jasper’s ear, like a prick. “Well, I always did favor brats.”
What the actual hell?
Jasper lifted his hand, ready to push the guy off or deck him, whichever his coordination allowed for first. “Fuck off,” he snapped, done with this asshole.
Said asshole caught his hand by the wrist, however, grip so tight it made him wince, Christ. “I’d rather fuck that smart mouth of yours,” he said and, since he apparently wasn’t done taking liberties just yet, the hand around the back of Jasper’s neck shifted to slip into his hair, where the stranger threaded his fingers and twisted tight, yanking Jasper’s head back as he leaned in closer to him, like him meant to kiss him.
“And that’s a bad thing?” he asked with a smirk. He would happily spoil the other man, but what was the point in having money if you didn’t spend it? And what better way to spend it, than on loved ones? Besides he didn’t think Jasper was the kind of man to enjoy being overly spoiled, or change because he could have money to burn.
At the other mans question, Carson realised he had probably been waffling after the realisation they hadn’t talked much about this whole moving in thing. But answering was the easiest thing in the world “Lovers.” he said simply, liking how it sounded. He just didn’t want to push, but he forgot how much they were on the same page with all this stuff.
Carson chuckled and as the other man squeezed him, he slid his arm around his back and pulled him closer, leaning in to plant a soft, small kiss on his lips “Let the fight for the covers commence then.” he teased.
Looks like this is all real. He’s not dreaming after all.
He slowly, and reluctantly let go of Jasper to grab a box and help the moving men. “So what do you like to do in a morning? We need some routine.” he smiled, excited at the thought of what his life will be like now he has company, a lover. God this could be so domestic, a thought that once made him feel sick, now made him smile.
///
It wasn’t a bad thing, per se. Jasper would admit he liked the idea of wearing clothes Carson had bought him, had picked out for him. There was a certain level of ownership in that, of belonging. He wanted to belong to Carson, wanted to be able to show off things that proved he did. Which, Jasper flushed slightly, embarrassed by his own thoughts. He lifted a hand to rub at the back of his neck, a nervous tick he hadn’t ever managed to outgrow.
But then Carson did what he did best and made Jasper’s heart skip a beat, affirming Jasper’s teased question. Lovers. Jasper liked the way that sounded, perhaps a little too much. Especially when it was followed by Carson sliding an arm around his shoulders, pulling him in close to plant a soft kiss on his lips. It was chaste, hardly as dirty as the countless other kisses they had exchanged, and yet it still left Jasper feeling dazed, dizzy with affection.
He missed Carson’s warmth the moment he pulled from him, making his way over to help the movers. Jasper tracked the flex of Carson’s forearms as he picked up a box, following after him with a lazy gait, heart stupidly full.
Jasper chuckled. “You mean, other than bemoan leaving my bed to get ready for work?” he asked with a playfully sarcastic lit. He waited until the movers were out of earshot as he leaned down, fishing out his pocket knife so that he could start cutting through the tape. He glanced up at Carson, expression soft, a bit purposefully alluring. “I assume morning sex isn’t off the table?”
Carson could deal with trouble, he owned the biggest fucking establishment in this city for fuck sake, and there were more than a few bar fights and fire’s he had to put out. He doubted picking up after one man would phase him, thank god, because he didn’t want to have to give Jasper up… although he had no idea if his father would approve, he wasn’t too worried. His adoptive family meant a lot to him, but he wouldn’t let them break them up when he wanted Jasper with every fiber of his being, nothing could do that.
Was this normal? Was it usual to have a domestic like relationship and still want to rip the other’s clothes off? Was this what they called the honeymoon period? Because that usually ended, and he really didn’t think this would ever stop. Not unless Jasper suddenly had to have his dick chopped off and his ass sewn up. And that was impossible, right?
All Jasper needed to do was look at him, and it was like those eyes were daring him to rip his clothes off. So he was doubted he’d ever get fed up of him, besides, if he was really honest with himself, he doubted his heart would pull him to Jasper if it was just about sex, he could get sex everywhere, anywhere with anyone, but what he wanted, was to stick with Jasper, for all time.
Was that a goofy smile? Was that real appreciation at the fact he’d been given the koala. OH MY FUCKING GOD. It was adorable. Carson suddenly found himself wanting to play every stupid game on mainstreet to send the other man home with more Teddy’s than he could carry.
He grinned when Jasper lost, not because he lost, but because he was buying the beers now and it made him smile, this is domestic, romantic, and so perfectly normal. Was he going soft?
“Told you I’d win.” he couldn’t help but say it, smirking. “So, I guess i’ll have to wait for my ass kicking.” Carson teased and started walking down main street “So carnival food? I’m thinking hot dogs and chocolate pancakes or fresh doughnuts.” he said and chuckled “I don’t even know what you like to eat.”
Jasper tucked the Koala under his arm, still so stupidly charmed by it. He laughed softly at Carson’s proclamation that he’d told him he’d win. “Guess that makes you a man of your word,” he quipped -- though, he hadn’t ever doubted that for a moment. Besides, Jasper felt like the real winner, Koala and all. Sure, it was just a dumb, likely cheap stuffed animal, but it wasn’t like his past situationships had bothered with something as simple, yet sweet.
He leaned in close to Carson, their shoulders brushing. “Best sleep with one eye open then,” he whispered, mouth rounding into a playful smile. “I don’t play fair.”
He laughed again at Carson’s admission. “I’m not picky.” He’d grown up poor. Food was food; he didn’t exactly have an expensive palette. Carnival food was right up his ally, really. “But, I’ve never said no to a hot dog and beer, and I’m not going to start now.”
That said, Jasper meandered over to a stand, ordering them a pair of hot dogs and a draft beer each -- the kind that came in the clear, plastic cups, and tasted much too carbonated. He paid quickly, thanked the girl behind the booth and found a free picnic table for Carson and he to sit at.
It was good Jasper had food and drink to distract him now because it was becoming increasingly harder and hard to keep his hands to himself. He wished he could always be touching Carson in some fashion, even if it was just the fleeting brush of their shoulders. The other man was always so warm, so inviting, it was almost frustrating to be in public with him and not give into impulse.
At least, in private, he could touch him at his leisure, could stake as much claim on his Dominant as he pleased. But -- all of this? It was still new and Jasper was still afraid of doing something wrong, of ruining it.
He took a sip of his beer to distract himself. After he swallowed, he cast his gaze back on Carson. “I promised I’d spend a little time with Savannah, later,” he said, heart fluttering, feeling a bit like he was seeking permission, though he knew such a thing was hardly necessary. “Figured we could meet back up again at the Nightingale after I’ve finished forcing my company on your cousin?”
Carson was just finishing his morning coffee when the moving van pulled in, and it was a lot smaller than he expected, in fact, he felt like he was exaggerating by calling it a van. He walked out of his house in some old jeans and a shirt, and watched as Jasper came down the drive “Is this all?” he asked and smirked a little “We need to buy you some more stuff.” he chuckled.
The dominant looked around to the moving men “For now, put it in the spare room, upstairs, third door on the left.” Looking to Jasper he smiled “Don’t worry we’ll sort it out later.” he said and shrugged “I’m not delegating you to the spare room.”
Although they never actually discussed this, he had made assumptions about how they would live when Jasper moved in “Unless you want a room of your own.” It felt like he had to add that on, but he wasn’t pleased about the thought of it and his face wrinkled around his cup as he took another sip.
“Other wise you’ll come in the main with me, there’s more than enough room and storage.” Even a cabinet in the ensuite for all Jaspers products.
Jasper wasn’t an overly sentimental person. Most of his long-lasting belongings were practical in nature. He had no keepsakes from his childhood, nor from his place back in Denver. He was a firm believer if he had no use for it, he got rid of it or repurposed it.
So, he wasn’t surprised by Carson’s reaction, but he was softly surprised by how good Carson looked in casual clothing. Jasper could certainly get used to that. “Careful,” he drawled, tone easy, familiar. “If you don’t watch it’ll, you’ll spoil me rotten.”
Jasper wasn’t really too fond of having things bought for him. But, he supposed he could get used to it, if it was Carson doing the buying.
He listened as Carson spoke, mouth tipping up at the ends when the other reluctantly suggested Jasper having a room of his own. He snorted. “Are we roommates,” he began in question, brow cocked. “Or are we lovers?”
Jasper reached forward then to grip Carson’s right upper arm, giving an affectionate squeeze. “You really think I’m gonna miss out on stealing your covers and making you regret letting me follow you home?”
“Oh, so you’re the needy type?” he teased “What have I gotten myself in to?” Carson smirked, laughing and smiling at the thought. It was so odd, he didn’t want a needy bitch, he’d never wanted one, but even if Jasper wasn’t joking, he felt like he could cope, or maybe he just didn’t care. It was like his world had just turned on it’s head, everything was crazy, everything he felt, he did, it was all so strange and new and nuts. He knew it, but he carried on without a care because it felt right. Jasper felt right.
“I can almost imaging the pouting and puppy dog eyes now.” Carson chuckled and smiled to the man, he wanted to pull him close and shove his tongue down his throat, he wanted to hold him, and yet he was holding himself back. Just enjoying the feeling, even if he wasn’t acting on it.
The tug of his shirt, the twist, it made him smile and he laughed “A promise.” he said and bit at his lip “Especially if you keep calling me master.” It was a term he wasn’t used to, he didn’t like the thought of ownership that was linked to it, but it sounded good when Jasper purred it out in to his ear.
Carson was slowly, and subtly, losing his shit. He wanted to pull the other man behind the stall and fuck him, he wanted to pay the man looking after the stall off, so they could play a dick ring toss followed by some love making amongst the plush prizes. His cock was throbbing and pulsating with all the nasty thoughts he was thinking and he had to breathe to calm himself down.
“What the fuck do you do to me?” he asked quietly, more to himself than to Jasper.
He focused on his next round, or tried to, looking intently on the rings, though he was still about to laugh at the sheer fact he didn’t care if he won or not. it was preposterous, to think Carson Fucking Vance would lose, happily, and yet here he was, non-chalant about the whole thing.
Throwing his last set of rings, and only missing one he rose his eyebrows, knowing that even if Jasper beat him, he’d now secured a giant plush for his lover to take home. He could claim it for himself, but it was the gentlemanly thing to say, and also the romantic thing to do. Weren’t you meant to win your lover a prize at the fair? “Okay, I’ll take the koala.” he said and waited for it to be handed over before holding it out to Jasper “For you, to satisfy the needy side of you.”
Jasper could be needy, on occasion. Though, perhaps, not in the way Carson thought. Needy for touch, for physical connection which, he was sure, Carson was all too happy to oblige him in. That was side effect of his love language being almost exclusively physical touch. “Trouble,” Jasper answered with a snort. Because, if Jasper was anything, it was that. Though, he was sure he was hardly the most troublesome submissive Carson had fucked around with.
Jasper wasn’t the type to ask for too much. If anything, he wouldn’t ask at all, just pine like an idiot until Savannah told him to get over himself before she punched him out.
He laughed. “What can I say? They’re effective.” Why bother having a semi-attractive face if he wasn’t going to use it to his advantage?
But, fuck, Carson really needed to stop with the promises. They were having a wholesome date. Wholesome! And all Jasper could think about was getting railed. Really, he had a problem. A serious problem. At the rate they were going to he was going to have to get drunk just to keep his hands to himself.
His mouth quirked into an almost-smirk at Carson’s last quip. Jasper wasn’t usually a fan of using Master, but it was kind of fun doing so when it came to Carson. It felt harmless, less weighty than it would’ve felt with another.
He stood off to the side, watching Carson rather than the ring toss as he completed his final round, winning a consolation prize. He picked the Koala and promptly handed it over to Jasper, but not with out a playful jab.
Jasper laughed, but took it gladly, stupidly charming. “Watch it,” he warned, playful lit to his voice, “or else I really will become clingy, like a koala.” He smiled, however, expression soft, stepping forward to place a chaste kiss on Carson’s cheek before he began his last and final round.
He bombed it. Not purposefully but, ah, he was distracted, what could he say. He glanced over his shoulder, expression sheepish. “Guess I’m buying us our first round.”
Were they both in the same boat? Both feeling vulnerable, not used to caring or being cared for? It was a revelation, realising that perhaps they both felt the same, and were both a little scared of it. Fear and Addiction, all rolled in to one.
Carson honestly couldn’t imagine what it would be like when they lived together, he’d never shared his home with someone, thank god he had two bathrooms, and more than one bedroom, if they got sick of each other, Jasper could move in to that, but Carson didn’t see that happening, ever.
Hearing the other man say he needed to be at work now was making him pout a little, and yet when the other man asked if he should call in sick, he wasn’t sure how to answer that. Carson wanted to say yes, to spend more time touching Jasper, being with him, but it felt like Jasper wasn’t that person. Jasper just didn’t come across as the kind of person that would let someone down, or ignore his duty. He was loyal, Carson saw that immediately and as much as he wanted to say yes, he leaned in and kissed the other man, smiling as his hand stroked through Jasper’s hair and he looked in those beautiful eyes, almost drowning in those big pools and he sighed.
“What and make you do something you wouldn’t normally do?” he shrugged and kissed the other with a smile “My plan is to be good for each other, not to be a bad influence, at least not this early on.” God, that was hard to say, but he meant it. If they were doing this, the whole, moving in, relationship thing, he wasn’t starting off on the wrong foot.
“But how about you come over after your shift?” Because Carson could take the night off whenever he fancied it.
///
Jasper could admit it, he was a bit of a slut for Carson’s gentler kisses, the way he stroked his hair so tender, so affectionate it had his skin and mind alike buzzing. He wished he could stay like this forever, being touched, adored, but he supposed there were better places such things could be accomplished than a public restroom.
Which, shit, now that Jasper thought about it, he was sure they’d been heard. He’d been heard. The walk out of here was going to be little better than a walk of shame.
He shoved those thoughts aside to focus on the intermittent kisses he was receiving. Jasper savored them, knowing very well he’d be spending the next twelve hours on shift, only able to contact Carson via brief exchange of text messages. But, with how sore his body was, the bite marks and bruises already starting to bloom on his skin, the ache and sting of them would be more than enough to hold him over.
Jasper snorted. “Oh? And fucking me in public restrooms is being a good influence?” he pointed out, cheeky as ever. He lifted his hand, absently tracing the masculine curve of Carson’s jaw with his knuckles. Really, it was unfair how handsome Carson was. Just looking at him, this close, set Jasper’s heart a beating.
“But yeah, yeah, I hear you. Wouldn’t want to give Dana a heart attack, anyway.” Besides, there was overtime with his name on it and his bank account would thank him later.
Once again, Carson had set Jasper’s heart fluttering, inviting him over after his shift, like it was natural, already keen to see him again, as soon as possible. Jasper wouldn’t deny the desire was mutual. “Alright,” he exhaled, leaning forward to kiss Carson surprisingly chastely. “It’s a date, then.”
How was he enjoying this so much? He didn’t know it was possible but he was definitely having fun. He was also just loving the fact he could look and touch Jasper whenever he fucking wanted. It was amazing, just watching him smile made him smile, it pulled at his heart strings and he couldn’t get enough. They needed to hang out more, outside, in public.
He’d have to see what peoples reactions were, considering this was new for Carson, he could imagine all the eyes watching them. It was a bit of a turn on actually, but Carson was doing his best to stay calm and not turned on, they had games to play and laughs to have. For the first time in his life, Carson felt almost normal.
“Insufferable? I cant definitely imagine that.” he laughed and smiled, his face aching from how much his cheeks twitched and flushed. Especially when Jasper made a master comment and he felt the blush travel down his chest. God it was sexy, Jasper was fucking sexy.
“You’re only saying that because I’m winning.” He teased and nodded “Okay, 2 out of 3 it is, get ready to have your ass handed to you.” Carson smirked and lowered his voice a little “Then eaten later.” He winked and tossed the rings, aiming, but honestly, for a competitive man, he didn’t care if he won or not, either way, he was happy spending time with Jasper.
Jasper laughed lowly, the sound soft, of the quietly delighted quality. His chest felt so unbearably warm, like his heart might burst from happiness which, Christ, when had he gotten so whipped? But, saying he hated it would be an outright lie. If anything, this was the happiest Jasper had been in quite some time.
It felt odd, but also incredibly nice.
“Oh, just you wait,” Jasper drawled. “I’m especially insufferable when I want attention.” Something Savannah knew quite well. Jasper didn’t take well to being ignored, not when it was by the people he most wanted to be acknowledged by.
He eyed Carson, quietly pleased when red touched his cheeks, seeping down below his collar. Jasper wished suddenly he could follow the color, could map it out across Carson’s chest with his mouth. But, ah, shit, they were in public. Now wasn’t really the time to thinking about Carson shirtless.
Jasper looked skyward, hoping to distract himself enough for his libido to calm down. They did enough fucking, really, would it kill him to enjoy something PG for once? Besides, it would do him some good to be more open and vulnerable with Carson. They were in a relationship, after all.
He smirked, gaze shifting back to Carson as he proclaimed for him to get ready to have his ass handed to him. His mouth parted, ready to retort, when Carson leaned in, voice lowered, more husk than whisper, the words that left his mouth immediately bringing forth a flush. This sneaky bastard. And right when Jasper had just managed to get his horniness under control.
Once Carson’s turn finished, Jasper moved to brush past him, but not before leaning up into his space, hand twisting in Carson’s shirt to tug him down so he could whisper into the shell of his ear: “That better be a promise,” a hot exhale of a laugh and, then, because Jasper was feeling a bit frisky. “Master.”
Then he was pulling away, smiling innocently as he gave Carson’s shoulder a good pat. He turned to begin his turn then, tossing the rings without care. Maybe he’d lose, maybe he’d win. It hardly mattered, not when what he was thinking about was the loud pounding of his heart.
Talking to people about his real parents, it didn’t happen. Talking about the crash that killed them and left him with the scar on his eyebrow and the one on his shoulder blade, never happens. But for some strange reason, he wanted to just blurt it out around Jasper, to tell him everything so he knew what he was getting himself in to. It felt like he could finally unload all those thoughts and feelings with someone and he wasn’t worried about it coming across as a weakness. Jasper just made him feel at ease, about who he was, how he was, and everything he’d ever done. It was a very rare feeling, one that Carson wasn’t used to.
Maybe that’s what couple’s do, talk about their pasts, talk about their futures. Maybe Carson liked the thought of all that, but honestly, he wasn’t ready for it. This was still way too new. His walls hadn’t lowered enough yet. There were something’s that he would willingly admit, or happily talk about, like his confidence being all show at times, but there were limits.
He was doing his best though, whether that be small talk or the strange hand holding thing, Carson was trying. He wanted it, he’d just never had it before. He didn’t know how to react to it. Someone had never just held his hand before, or complimented him so genuinely before.
Carson just smirked as Jasper maneuvered his collar to show bruises and chuckled to himself. “I couldn’t help myself.” Not when Jasper looked so fucking good, and tasted even better. God it was sexy the way the other man teased him, that look on his face was like he was begging to be kissed. Thank god he had a distraction or he’d never of put the other man down.
“I love it when you get all cocky.” he admitted, teasingly, smirk firmly planted on his lips as he paid for the ring toss and handed some rings to Jasper “Just don’t cry if you lose, that’s all I ask.” he chuckled, and started to throw his rings at the target. The bottles were usually way too close together, that was the issue, and Carson hated a fixed game, which is why he’d of stayed at the club normally, but he was here for fun, for Jasper, and he was having fun. In fact, he was having the best time of his life and the night had only just begun.
“Your turn ring master.”
///
Jasper didn’t talk about his past for a reason. As far as he was concerned, Savannah was his only family. His mother had gotten pregnant with him far too young; if she’d known who his father was, she hadn’t bothered to tell him. He’d spent most of his childhood alone while his mother worked. It was an isolating experience, one that led him to seek affection in strangers from the moment he hit puberty. Perhaps it was the lack of boundaries, the lack of self-love, that had lead him to seek love in the only way he knew how to receive it: through sex, through narcissistic partners who always devalued him, tossed him aside as soon as he’d been all used up.
Savannah had been the first, the only, to show him affection and true platonic love without ever asking for something but his own affection in return.
He’d had his fair share of bad relationships, of Dominants who pushed things too far, who belittled him, proclaimed their love only to cast him aside. He wasn’t sure what, exactly, Carson saw in him; the insecure side of him wished he knew, so that he could protect whatever it was as if his life depended on it. The traitorous side of him whispered that it was only his body, that soon enough, Carson would tire of him like all the rest.
But, such depressing thoughts had no place here, not in the crowded streets, not with Carson warm beside him, the sound of his voice a constant comfort. “I sure hope so,” he drawled, turning his body just slightly so that he could catch Carson’s eye. “’Cause once I win, I’m gonna be insufferable about it.” He winked then, laughing softly as he grabbed for his set of ten.
He snorted, mouth slipping into a fond smile. “And here I thought I was supposed to be the one calling you Master,” he snarked, the buzzer beeping, drawing his attention back to the game. He began to toss the rings, most of the bouncing off or landing awkwardly, ending in his score being pretty much even with Carson’s.
He laughed. “Best two out of three?” he suggested, cheeky as ever. “Winner buys the first round.”
Silly, he knew, to get waste money buy drinks here. After all, it wasn’t like Carson didn’t own a nightclub where they could get all the free liquor they wanted. But, Jasper had to admit, it was more fun having this little wager with his Dominant here.
Perhaps a tattoo with his name on it would be a more permanent reminder of who exactly Jasper belonged to, but he would never make the other man do something like that. Although if he did, he’d have it look something like this, but obviously, with it saying Carson. Maybe the forearm, with a nice design around it. Not that Carson had thought about it at all.
There was a limit to how possessive he was, he might of acted like it, clawing and pulling at the other man, but Carson would never expect Jasper to be faithful when he wasn’t, the fact the other man agreed to it was a surprise, and it was a relief. He didn’t have to worry about getting jealous, he didn’t have to think about who else was touching this beautifully soft skin. It was his, all his, just his.
Nobody else was hearing these moans, nobody else could force them from Jasper’s lips. God, that was such a turn on. He loved the way the other moaned, pleaded, and begged for more. It was something Carson was happy to do, even without the other begging for it. He wanted to please, wanted to make sure every time was memorable so it would keep Jasper coming back for more.
He probably could of been gentler, maybe he would be, when this honeymoon period calmed down and he didn’t feel like Jasper was just going to realise he was making a mistake and vanish. But for now, he wanted to be rough, he wanted to hurt. And when he felt the other release, the man shuddering against him, it felt like he’d done his job, and then, and only then, did he become softer in his mannerisms. His fisted hand loosened in the other’s hair, and he kissed him again, hungry, but not as harsh or raw, almost loving.
His other hand slid around the small of the mans back to pull him closer as he trembled. “God youre perfect.” he hummed against the other mans lips and grinned “How soon do you need to be at work?” he asked cheekily, and slowly, very fucking slowly, and reluctantly, very fucking reluctantly, he let go of Jasper, and started to pull up his trousers, fastening them.
///
Jasper felt dazed, like a raw nerve that had been exposed to air for the first time, oversensitive. If he were truly honest with himself, he’d have the strength to admit that no one before Carson had ever made him feel this way, nor fucked him so well it felt as natural as breathing to slip into his submissive headspace.
He felt, somehow, more malleable, softer around the edges, more vulnerable. He didn’t really want to think about what it meant that he was feeling this way in a public restroom but, he figured Savannah would say it was very on brand of him. His body ached in the best of ways, the proof of Carson’s adoration bitten and pressed into his skin.
He made a soft noise of relief as Carson loosened his grip on his hair, instead pulling him in for a kiss that almost qualified as sweet. Jasper melted into it, kissing back just as sweetly, mouth slow, taking his time to taste Carson. He thought, in that moment, he could keep kissing Carson like this forever -- slow and relaxed, like they had all the time in the world, like he wasn’t going to be late for work.
But, screw it.
He’d let Dana yell at him if it meant getting even a second more of Carson’s attention.
He went easily as Carson pulled him closer, humming praise into the parting of his lips. He made a small noise of protest as Carson pulled away from him, wishing to stay closer for a while longer, to stay safe at his side, feeling inexplicably loved. Carson’s question, however, made him blink -- Right, work.
He cleared his throat, cheeks flushing as the embarrassment set it and he began to clean himself up and and redress. “Uh --” he began, scrambling for his phone. Shit. He was going to be really late if he didn’t leave in the next two minutes. “Now,” he admitted, sheepish. He made no move to exit the stall, however, wishing to stay with Carson for just a bit longer.
“Think I should call in?” he suggested, like he’d ever done that in the entirety of his life. He was sure Dana would die of of shock, should he.
Carson was definitely a user and an abuser. He had people he regularly slept with, he had one night stands, he spoke to some after, he ignored some after. He wasn’t used to this type of relationship, where he not only wanted, but needed to see someone again. No to mention, he’d never gone on a date, like a real date. He’d been to restaurants with people, but it never felt like.. well like this did. Domestic.
“Oh, i’m always cocky, doesn’t always mean i’m confident.” he admitted with a smile. They were too different things, especially seen as Carson hadn’t been lying, a lot of people went easy on him because of who he was, so if Jasper actually put up a proper fight, he didn’t know how this was going to end.
Hearing that Jasper was almost a volunteer for the kissing booth, he chuckled “Well if you had been, I’m almost sure I’d spend every dime to kiss you so nobody else could.” he admitted, meaning every word. Although, it might of been a little sexy to stand on the sidelines and watch Jasper kiss people while looking at him.
He was still smirking about the thought of it when he felt fingers looping around his and his glance dropped. Were they holding hands? Was this what people did? It felt, weird. Good weird, but weird none the less. And okay, he was guilty of giving a quick glance around to see if people were looking. He thought about pulling away at the thought of being stared at, and yes, the vain part of him took into account his image. He was a hard nosed business man, he was respected and part of that was his intimidating presence, this was… going against all of that.
Swallowing when he realised he’d been staring at their conjoined hands too much, and that it might look strange to Jasper, he glanced upwards, awkwardly, and just told himself to see how it went, to see how it felt. “Erm…” What did Jasper just say? “I wont lie, I’m a little possessive.” And confused, fuck he was confused. Which is why the moment he saw the ring toss, he pulled out of that hand and reached for the rings. Thank god, he enjoyed it, secretly, he wanted more hand holding, maybe even a cuddle, but he couldn’t help thinking about how it looked, and he felt relief run over him as he grinned at the other man “Come on then, kick my ass!” he winked, hoping Jasper wouldn’t notice.
Jasper would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy seeing this side of Carson -- a softer side, vulnerabilities not on full display, but there, peeking out from behind his walls. Jasper knew very well he had walls of his own, ones that were faltering, wishing to dissipate completely in Carson’s presence but, more than anything, he wished to tear Carson’s down brick by brick.
There was still so much about the man he didn’t know. He wanted to know more; wanted to know Carson’s fears, his dreams, what monsters lay hidden in his past. And maybe that was just the hopeless romantic in Jasper or the part of him that so desperately wished for connection.
And, he and Carson? They definitely had a connection.
So when he admitted that while he was always cocky, he wasn’t always confident, Jasper smiled softly, more enamored than ever. He was softly thankful Carson had decided to share such a thing with him, tucking that information away to revisit later.
He laughed outright at Carson proclaiming he’d spend every dime on him, snorting slightly, ignoring the way his cheeks heated and his heart fluttered, making him feel over-warm. “Maybe I should’ve volunteered, then, for the good of the community.” He was being cheeky now. Truth be told, he didn’t really wish to kiss anyone else, not now that he had Carson.
He also didn’t really like thinking about Carson kissing others, either, the jealous part of him wishing not only to posses his heart, but his fidelity. But, that was selfish of him, greedy. Carson had been honest with him in what he should expect and he had agreed. It did him no good to have regrets now.
The interlinked tangle of their hands seemed to throw Carson, the way he stared at their hands clasped together lingering a moment too long. Jasper’s heart was still beating too-fast, nervous at how his obvious display of affection would be taken. However, despite Carson’s seeming awkwardness, he didn’t immediately pull his hand back but, rather, let Jasper keep soaking in his heat, heart foolishly satisfied.
The smirk that stole away Jasper’s features then was sly in quality. “Oh?” he drawled, using his free hand, the one not entangled with Carson’s to drag his collar slightly to the left, revealing bruised flesh, the product of teeth and lips, one of many marks that still littered his body, that left him feeling owned, wanted. “Couldn’t tell,” he said dryly, smile wry, playful. “Not a clue.”
But then Carson was releasing his hand, reaching for the ring toss, and Jasper was snorting. “Don’t cry when I do, in fact, kick your ass.” He joined him then, heart feeling light and so damn fulfilled.
Savannah’s head was hurting from just looking at her best friend. He was hammered and it didn’t take a damn detective to figure that out. She really hadn’t seen much of Jasper since the revelation he was fucking her cousin. Though it wasn’t by any anger or resentment, they’d just been too busy. And likely her damned needy cousin hoarding her person. She’d never do anything to intentionally hurt Carson or Jasper, but she wasn’t exactly known for sharing.
So, despite his current state, she was more than happy to have her best friend in her arms. Looping her arm through his until they were connected at the elbow, she held him steady. She wasn’t big on the whole face painting but it was meant to be a day of fun – and Jasper could probably do with sitting down for a few minutes. “Long as you promise not to vomit on me, okay?”
///
As Savannah linked her arm in his, pulling them close and holding him steady, he smiled -- the sort of smile that was looser, silly in its adoration of her. Truly, Jasper loved Savannah with all of his heart. He considered her a sister, their bond deeper than that of simple best friends. She was his person, someone who knew him best -- the good and the bad.
And, perhaps it was the touch starved part of him, the part that craved affection, that found such extreme comfort in her touch. He damn near giggled -- giggled! -- Christ, he was drunk. “’m not gonna puke on you,” he murmured, pressing a hand to one side of her head as he leaned down to place an overly affection kiss on her head.
“You worry too much,” he told her, though no insult hid in his words. “C’mon,” he said, tugging her eagerly towards the face-painting stand. “Let’s get matching butterflies.”
