12 12- Something On Your Face

"Oh, now this you would look good in!" Scott pointed out the next store's display. The mannequins were in summer polos and khaki shorts.

"Maybe. Can't wear shorts to work though."

"Well, what do you wear on your days off?"

"I... don't tend to get any days off. There's a chunk of time that's about a day off, but the only time I have a day where I don't work is when I'm on my heat."

"So that means you worked this morning?'

"Overnight at one and opening at the other, yeah."

"And tomorrow?"

"Afternoon shift."

"Oh." Scott paused. "Every week?"

"Yeah. Thankfully I was able to get a set schedule. I'd never be able to keep track of it otherwise."

They walked on. Scott swung their hands slightly as he mulled over what he just learned. No wonder Ryan always seemed so tired. He doesn't get a day off? And he was choosing to spend his precious free time like this? Scott looked over at Ryan, who seemed oblivious as he sipped his coffee, facing forward. There were bags under his eyes. Scott felt a pang of concern, and just a little guilt.

"Oh! Hey, that looks cool!" They made it halfway around the mall. Ryan pointed out the next shop, who's display consisted of a rack of designer sneakers, arranged to make a smiley face.

"Do you want to go in and check it out?" Scott asked.

"Nah, it's not really my thing. I just think it looks cool."

"So what kind of things DO you like? Clothes? Accessories? Collectables?"

" I tend to shop at thrift stores for my clothing, since I can't afford new." Ryan finished off his drink and broke away from Scott to dispose of the cup. When he came back, he slipped his hand right back into Scott's.

Scott tried several more times to try and buy something for Ryan. No clothes, no candles, no jewelry, even Build-a-Bear was turned down. He's never had a partner refuse Build-a-Bear. It was the most romantic early dating activities he could think of. It's been a year or two since he's dated anyone, maybe that sort of thing fell out of style?

They were nearing the Hot Topic and the end of their lap around the mall. Not that Scott wasn't having fun walking around and poking fun at the more questionable displays with his date, but he hadn't gotten a single clue on what kind of things Ryan liked! Scott was trying his hardest to spoil his boyfriend, but Ryan Just. Wouldn't. Cooperate. He wouldn't even suggest going into any of the stores unless Scott said he wanted to check something out first!

Frustrating... but he wasn't ready to give up yet!

They made it to their destination. Scott finished off his drink and they went inside. While he spoke with the clerk about the figurine he'd had put on hold, Ryan poked around a bit. When Scott was finished, he met Ryan near the novelty t-shirt display.

"See anything that catches your eye?" Scott asked, putting his arm around Ryan's shoulder.

"I was just laughing at that one that says 'O–Mega Gay'." Ryan indicated a baby blue shirt with faded rainbow letters high up on the wall. "It's so tacky, I love it. I could never wear something like that to work though."

Scott seized the opportunity. "Why not get a bigger size and wear it to sleep in? I'll buy it for you. I think you'd look cute in it."

"You've been trying to buy me something this whole time!" Ryan laughed.

"Indulge me?" Scott pouted. "We've been dating nearly a month you know? Consider it an anniversary present since I'm kinda 'o–mega gay' for you?"

Ryan blushed, and relented. He settled on one two sizes larger than he would normally wear, and to be fair, it was a VERY soft shirt. And to be fair, Scott had been trying very, VERY hard to buy him something the whole date and to be fair, the shirt wasn't too expensive. In no time, they had a second black bag and were back out in the mall to finish their lap.

Ryan squeezed Scott's hand and bumped his shoulder. "Thanks for the shirt."

"No problem." Scott was on cloud nine. It was a mission success. And Ryan had picked out something so cheesy! He was trying his hardest not to smile, but the corners of his mouth tilted up a little.

Before long, they were back at the food court. The date was almost over. He would drive Ryan home and have to wait a week to see him again. That thought alone was enough to sober him up a little. He wished Ryan had more free time, but could also appreciate that Ryan was choosing to spend his free time with him.

Scott stopped as they passed near the restrooms. "I need to use the bathroom before we head back."

"Okay. I'll hold the bags and wait for you on that bench over there."

"You don't need to go too?"

"No, I'm fine."

Ryan took the bags and went to go sit down, people watching to pass the time. He spotted a pair of girls, who looked to be in high school, glancing over at him and whispering to each other. He was used to that. Unexpectedly, they made their way over.

"Um, are you really a male omega?" One of them asked shyly.

"Yes, I'm male, and I also happen to be an omega." He put on his customer service face as he replied. These encounters always went one of two ways. It was either someone who meant no harm and was genuinely curious, or someone who was looking to bully. Thankfully, this seemed like the former.

The second girl was much bolder. "Is it true you can get pregnant even though you're a dude?" She asked.

"Yes... I am capable of becoming pregnant."

"See, Janet! I told you!" The girl said triumphantly. She then asked, "So what's it like to go through a heat? Is it true you get so horny you'll sleep with anyone?"

"Well... Um...." This got awkward fast. Ryan could appreciate some sincere curiosity, but he didn't like being treated as a sideshow. He kept glancing towards the restrooms, waiting to see a familiar set of scrubs walk out. Finally, Scott came through the entrance, waving over at him.

"Ah! Excuse me, my boyfriend's waiting for me!" He escaped the girls and jogged his way over to Scott.

"Friends of yours?" Scott asked, taking back the bags.

"Nah, just some over–curious kids."

"Oh?" Scott half–waved at them, then snaked his hand into Ryan's. They'd gone back to their whispered gossip.

"Ready to go?" Ryan was infinitely grateful Scott showed up when he did.

"I'm ready if you are."

They made it most of the way back to Ryan's place before Ryan felt the need to ask a question that had been bugging him since day one.

"Hey, Scott?"

"Yeah?"

"Why do you touch me so much?" Ryan lifted his hand from the center console for emphasis, seeing as it was currently interlaced with Scott's.

"If it bothers you, I can stop." Scott glanced over, but it was too dark to get a good read on Ryan's expression. He loosened his fingers to give ayan a chance to take his hand back if he wanted. Had he been too forward and was being told to back off?

"It doesn't really bother me, I'm just curious." Ryan left his hand where it was.

Scott slowly closed his fingers back. "Because application of pressure cuts cortisol levels and increases oxytocin."

"So, what does that mean?"

"Touching is supposed to help you fight stress and build trust. It also releases endorphins which make you feel good." He squeezed a little. "Has it been working?"

Ryan rubbed his thumb along the back of Scott's hand and thought about it briefly. "Yeah, I suppose so."

It was then he decided. Tonight, he was going to do it. The timing and mood were right. The stars were out and the moon shone bright. He would go for it. Mick had coached him through several different ways to initiate after all. He tried to psyche himself up.

Scott pulled his car up to the entrance of Ryan's apartment building and put it in park. He then retrieved Ryan's bag from the back seat. "Tonight was a lot of fun. Thanks for hanging out with me."

"Yeah, I had a lot of fun too." Ryan could feel the blood roaring in his ears. "Hey, Scott? I just noticed, you've got something on your face."

"Where?"

Before he could pull down the visor to check in the mirror, Ryan said, "Come here, I'll get it."

"You sure?" Scott leaned over the center console, giving Ryan easier access.

"Looks like an eyelash. Here, close your eyes." Ryan could feel his heart pounding in his chest. Go for it. Go for it. Go for it.

Scott obeyed, some idea of what was going on. Ryan leaned in. He cupped Scott's face, feeling the slight prickle of a five–o–clock shadow. Go for it! He tilted his head, closing his eyes. He pressed his lips against Scott's.

The noise of the slight suction being broken rang through the car as he pulled away.

Scott's eyes fluttered open. Both of them were blushing, though it was more apparent on Scott's pale complexion. There were stars in Scott's eyes, and you could practically hear the angelic choir singing in his head.

"S–sorry if that was too forward!" Ryan apologized, "It's just that the timing felt right and–"

Scott wrapped his fingers through Ryan's hair, quieting him with another kiss, longer this time. "You don't have to apologize for that," he breathed, resting their foreheads together.

"Oh– ah, okay... Thank you, that is, thank you for today. I had fun."

"Me too."

"I... Guess I ah, I need to get out now, huh?" Ryan scrambled out of the car, holding the bag with his shirt in it. He leaned back into the door frame. "Text me when you get home so I know you got back safe?"

"I will. Now, go on inside, I'll watch for you. Goodnight!"

"Goodnight!" Ryan shut the car door and practically floated into his building. Once on the other side of the door, he waved back to Scott as he drove off. Today was a great day indeed.

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As he readied for bed, he got the text from Scott saying he'd made it home okay. Ryan sent back a selfie of him in his new shirt. It really was super comfy. Little did he know that pic had just become Scott's new lock screen.