Chapter 38: Thirty-six

Three knocks on the window make Liam look up from his homework. He smiles widely, going over to open it. They're supposed to be going on a date tonight so while he waited, Liam dressed in jeans and a light purple shirt. It's plain but he likes it.

Ian slips in and grins back at him, grabbing his hips and pulling him in for a kiss. His fingers hook into the belt loops on Liam's jeans, keeping him close. Liam's hands go up to rest on his shoulders.

"I missed you." Ian mumbles as soon as they pull away. Liam smiles.

"We talked last night." He says but knows it's not the same.

"Over text." Ian deadpans, resting his head on Liam's shoulder. He wraps his arms around Liam's waist and pulls him closer. "I missed this."

Liam reciprocates the hug. His arms wrap around Ian too. "I know. I missed you too."

Ian lifts his head up, smiling at Liam. He leans in close, his mouth rubbing against Liam's lips as he speaks. "I also missed this."

Liam closes his eyes and leans into the kiss. He brings his hand up to fit into Ian's hair. He tangles it around his fingers, giving it an experimental tug. Ian groans after he does so.

They pull away and Liam smiles. "I missed that too."

"Oh yeah?" Ian smirks, leaning in to kiss him softly once more. This one doesn't last as long but Liam enjoys it just as much. "Are you ready to go?"

Liam nods. Ian leads the way out and Liam follows after him. They climb down the tree and Ian connects their hands, running across the yard.

They climb in the car and Liam relaxes into the ever growing familiar passenger seat. He pulls the seatbelt over him and smiles at Ian.

Ian smiles back, leaning over to kiss Liam once again. He pulls back and starts driving. The street lights shine on the sidewalks in the dark.

Ian's hand stretches over and places on the inside of Liam's thigh. Liam smiles to himself, loving the feel of the weight there. It's weird to think but he loves it.

"So, you're sure going to Tangerine's for milkshakes isn't a lame date?" Ian starts. Liam looks over at him with a small smile.

"You're taking me to a cute diner that we went to the first time we ever hung out one-on-one, in the middle of the night so no one else will be there. I don't understand how it can be lame." Liam answers honestly. "If you're really that concerned about it, take me to the park afterwords and we can watch the stars."

Ian smiles widely. "Okay, I think I might just do that."

Liam rolls his eyes but is smiling. He slides his hand over Ian's. He's happy.

"What do you want for your future?" Ian asks thoughtfully, turning a corner. "I don't mean like a job or anything specific, just a general idea.

Liam looks over at him, surprised at the start of conversation. He thinks about it and shrugs.

"I don't know. A happy family, I guess. Maybe a kid or two. I don't care much about all the little details, I just want to be happy. And I want my family to be happy too."

Ian hums, his thumb rubs in a circular motion on Liam's knee under his jeans. Liam looks over to take in Ian. He's wearing dark jeans and a plain white T-shirt. Just like Liam, he dressed plain but in a way that both of them know the other tried to make themselves look a little bit better than usual.

"You?" Liam asks, directing his attention back to the conversation.

"I wanna travel for a little bit. Like, save some money and see the places I've always wanted to. Maybe after a couple trips, settle down then."

Liam smiles softly. "Sounds like a nice plan."

Ian shoots a smile in his direction before looking back onto the road. Within two minutes they park in front of the Tangerine Café. Ian pats Liam on the thigh before removing his hand so he can pull the keys out of the ignition.

They walk inside the small diner and it's empty, just as suspected. There's soft pop music playing quietly in the background and an older woman is sweeping the floors. She smiles at them when they come in and they smile back.

Ian picks the booth by the door, sliding in on one side. Liam sits opposite of him and they both pick up the menus on the table.

After about ten seconds, Ian sighs and puts it down. "I'm just going to get a cheeseburger."

Liam smiles and puts his menu down too. "I think I'll just have the same thing as you."

Ian grins at him. Ian's legs stretch out under the table and trap Liam's between his. Liam doesn't say anything about this and neither does Ian.

"What's the worst thing you've ever done?" Ian asks with a little smirk.

"Like... morally or legally?" Liam furrows his brows. "Or like, what other people would see as the worst?"

Ian shrugs. "I'm not picky."

"Uh, well I guess to some people it would probably be sneaking out my window to go gallavanting in the night with a boy." Liam replies simply, a teasing smile playing on his face.

Ian gasps, bringing his elbow to rest on the table so he can lean his head on it. "How scandalous Liam. Who knew you could be such a trouble maker?"

Liam laughs quietly. "I think you might just be a bad influence."

"Now that's rude." Ian pretends to pout. "And to think I thought you were different than those other snobs. It's clear to see I was wrong."

Liam smiles and opens his mouth to say something. Before he can though, the older woman is walking up to their smile with a soft smile.

"What can I get for you boys today?"

"Can we get two cheeseburgers, nothing but ketchup and pickle, and then one vanilla and one caramel milkshake?" Ian orders without missing a beat. Liam silently thanks him, even though he's feeling loose enough tonight that he probably could've ordered for himself if he had to.

"Of course." The woman smiles after writing it down, picking up the two menus on the table. "We'll have that right out."

She walks back towards the kitchen and Ian looks back over to Liam. He smiles happily, causing Liam to copy his expression. There's such a calming atmosphere to this place, and being here with Ian makes it so much better. Liam loves it.

"If you had to pick one, would you watch a horror movie or a romance?" Ian asks, tilting his head to the side. Liam thinks about it for a second before answering.

"Horror. I get all awkward watching people be intimate on TV. It's just weird." Liam shrugs. Ian nods in seemingly agreement. Liam thinks of a question he can ask back. "If you had to give up your room, would you share a room with Ember or sleep on the couch?"

He's not sure where the question came from but it seems alright. They're not asking serious questions anyway. At least, not yet.

"Couch." Ian answers without any hesitation. He nods as if to confirm his answer. "Ember can be chill but I would not be able to put up with her constant blabbering and choice in TV shows."

Liam chuckles lightly. "You'd have no privacy though."

"I think it's worth the trade off." Ian shrugs. He then smiles a little. "Would you rather be unable to drive for the rest of your life or unable to run?"

"Unable to drive." Liam says. "If I'm trying to get away from a murderer, I wanna be able to run."

Ian laughs. "Fair point."

"If you had to stop going to one of your favorite places in town, which one would you stop going to?"

"Oh, that one's tough." Ian tilts his head, looking up in thought. "Uh, probably the theaters. I'd just have to wait until movies came out."

Liam nods in understanding. Ian then looks to be in thought again. Liam stays quiet, waiting for the question he's going to get asked.

"If you had to cut all ties with one of your friends and never speak to them again, who would you pick?" Ian finally asks, a smirk on his face.

Liam's mouth drops open. "You can't ask me that!"

"Sure I can." Ian laughs. "I just did."

"That's so mean. I can't pick one." Liam shakes his head. "You win, I'm done."

Ian laughs more. "Okay."

They fade into quiet as Ian quits laughing. The brown eyed boy's expression softens as he looks at Liam. A small smile lights up his face and he's quiet.

"What?" Liam asks after a minute of feeling eyes on him.

"Nothing." Ian says. "You just have a nice face."

Liam looks down at the table, feeling warmth spread to his face. Amidst his embarrassment he mumbles out, "I think you have a nice face too."

Ian laughs quietly. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Liam mumbles under his breath, feeling even more embarrassed now.

"You're adorable." Ian breathes out, grinning widely. Liam groans, laying his head down on the table.

"Stop complimenting me." He pleads in a small voice.

"But there's so many things I wanna compliment you on." Ian says.

"No." Liam sits up again to shake his head. "I can't handle it."

Ian sighs. "Fine. It pains me though."

"You'll live." Liam shrugs like it's that simple.

The waitress comes back then, giving them both their cheeseburgers and fries. She sits down their milkshakes too, all the while giving them a friendly smile. "Enjoy."

She turns and walks away after that, leaving them to eat in peace. Immediately, Liam reaches over and takes a drink of his milkshake. He smiles at the taste before moving to eat his burger.

"I really like this place." Ian says. "If the rest of their food was as good as their burgers and milkshakes, maybe they'd have more customers."

Liam nods. "It's a cute place, I can see how it would get popular easy."

"Yeah." Ian smiles. "So, do you like it better than those fancy restaurants?"

"Yeah." Liam nods. "I don't like the atmosphere of those places. It's all stuffy and snobby. I feel like I'm being judged just by stepping through the door."

Ian hums. "I get that. Probably similar to how I felt at that tea thing with your mom."

"Probably." Liam laughs. "You looked really uncomfortable."

"Oh I was. Especially when they started talking about my hair." Ian grumbles. "I like my hair."

Liam smiles softly. "I like your hair too."

Ian looks at him, smiling. After a moment that smile turns to a small smirk and he speaks just before taking a sip of his drink. "You certainly like pulling on it, that's for sure."

Liam almost chokes on his food, looking down at the table and feeling himself turn red. Ian laughs loudly while he stutters for something to say.

"I'm just kidding, Li."

"Yeah." Liam nods, his voice coming out small. "I know."

Ian reaches his hand over and connects his and Liam's hands. "I'm sorry for embarrassing you."

Liam stares down at their hands, a smile forming on his face. "It's okay." His smile turns to a small glare then. "Just, don't do that again."

"Okay." Ian laughs and nods. "I won't."

They eat in peace for the next ten minutes. Liam doesn't finish his fries, once again, and slides the plate closer to Ian. Ian grins and finishes eating them for him.

Once they're done, Liam pulls out his credit card. Ian opens his mouth to protest but Liam shakes his head. "I'm paying."

"Fine." Ian sighs and shrugs. "I tried."

Liam walks up to the counter and pays for their meal. The woman smiles kindly at him during the whole interaction and he tries to smile just as nicely back. He's not sure if he was capable of that though.

They go back to Ian's car and sit in the seats. Ian's hand goes over to rest on Liam's thigh, something he seems to be making a habit of doing. Liam's stomach flips and he rests his hand over Ian's.

"To the park?" Ian asks. Liam looks over and nods.

"Yeah."

Ian smiles and starts driving. It doesn't take them long to reach the park they came to last time. Ian shuts off the car and they both get out.

Liam knows what their doing this time around so he's the first one to make it to the picnic table. He lays down on his back and looks up at the sky. Ian walks over and lays down next to him. They both just look at the sky in a comfortable silence.

Ian's hand slithers down Liam's arm and connects with his palm. Their fingers intertwine and Liam smiles up at the night sky. His entire arm is buzzing from Ian's touch.

After about twenty minutes Liam yawns. Ian chuckles and sits up, pulling on Liam's hand. Liam sits up too.

"Maybe we should go." Ian comments, looking at Liam with a fond smile.

"Yeah, maybe." Liam agrees, leaning over to rest his head on Ian's shoulder. Ian chuckles, brings his hand up go gently run it through Liam's hair.

"Alright, come on baby."

Liam follows Ian back to the car. They both sit in their seat and buckle up. They start the drive back to Liam's house.

"Well, was it a good date?" Ian looks over at Liam expectantly. "You can tell me if it totally sucked. I'll understand."

"No, I liked it." Liam shakes his head.

Ian hums, rubbing his hand on Liam's thigh. "Good."

They drive back to Liam's house quietly. Ian's thumb rubs in circles on Liam's thigh. Eventually they make it back and Ian parks on the grass in front of Liam's house's entrance.

Ian takes the keys out of the ignition. Liam shifts in his seat, not getting out yet. Ian looks over at him with confusion.

"You okay?" Ian asks, bringing Liam's attention to him. Liam nods.

"Yeah. Hey do you remember how you said you would wait for me to make up my mind?"

Ian's expression lights up with hope but he tries to bury it so Liam won't see. "Yeah?"

"I've decided." Liam nods. He leans over to smash his lips against Ian's, hoping that will get the message across. Ian hums in approval, snaking his arms over to pull Liam closer.

They break away for a moment. Ian smiles against Liam's lips. "So you like me?"

"Yeah." Liam smiles too. He reconnects their lips. He slides his hands up into Ian's hair.

"Enough to be my boyfriend?" Ian asks, pulling their lips away for a second once again.

"Yes." Liam grins. "We're dating now?"

"Yeah." Ian smiles back. They kiss once more before pulling away for good. "Let's go."

Liam nods and they get out. They run across his yard and towards the tree. Ian gets a jump start up the tree which makes him slip. Liam laughs at him quietly, starting to climb up after him.

They get into his bedroom again. Liam turns around to shut the window. They both slip off their shoes and then Ian kisses him again.

He pulls him by the hips over to the bed, sitting down on it. The kiss turns heated pretty fast. Liam moves to straddle Ian, feeling a new surge of confidence. Ian hums in approval, his hands going to grip Liam's hips.

"Baby, not that I'm not loving this." Ian pulls back. "But go lock your door. I'm not being interrupted again."

Liam smiles, slipping off him and going to lock the door. He doesn't think it'll be necessary considering it's so late at night, but it's a good precaution to take. He walks back to the bed, immediately straddling Ian again.

Ian meets him halfway. They continue to kiss for a while, Ian's hands rubbing up Liam's sides. Liam's own hands slide down and slip under his shirt. Ian moans into the kiss.

Liam pulls his lips back a tiny bit, whispering against Ian's. He tugs at the hem of Ian's shirt as he speaks. "Want it off."

Ian pulls back and is quick to all but rip the shirt off. He throws it to the side and brings his lips back onto Liam's. Liam lets his hands roam the newly exposed skin more freely.

Ian's hands travel down, resting on Liam's hips. He then slowly moves them along the waist line of Liam's pants and carefully unbuttons them. He doesn't do anything after that though, just rests his hands on Liam's lower stomach like he's waiting for something.

Finally, one hand slips under Liam's pants but they stop at the waistline of his boxers. Ian pulls back to look Liam in the eyes.

"What do you want to do?" Ian asks, his voice a husky whisper. Liam shifts on his lap, moving his hips against Ian's. "How far do you want to go? I don't want to do anything you're not comfortable with."

Liam groans at the distraction, but he is ultimately grateful for it. He hasn't even considered how far they might go tonight. He didn't think about that until now.

"Fuck." Liam groans, pulling back. Ian looks a little disappointed but doesn't say anything and releases him quickly. "Fuck, sorry, give me a minute. I'll be right back."

With that, Liam runs into his bathroom. Ian blinks in his absence, his brain trying to figure out what's happening.

It doesn't take Liam too long before he's returning from the bathroom. His pants had been discarded so he's only in his boxers. He comes back up to the bed and hesitantly climbs back over Ian. Ian looks up at him in confusion, wondering what the hell just happened.

"Sorry." Liam mumbles. "I had to clean up."

Ian's eyes widen when he catches on. He leans forward and connects their lips together once again. His chest fills with warmth at the thought of Liam actually trusting him enough to go through with this.

Liam pulls away from the kiss first, going down to suck at the boy's neck. Ian groans. When he speaks, his voice is breathy. "Is this your way of saying you want to go all the way? I need confirmation baby, I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

Liam pulls back, his hot breath fanning over the forming bruise on Ian's neck. "Yes. I want to do this."

Ian flips them over in no time. He hovers over Liam, his hands slipping under the fabric of his shirt. He stares down into blue eyes with a serious expression.

"You're sure? A hundred percent sure? I don't want you to regret anything if we do this."

Liam nods. "I'm sure." His hands fly up to cup Ian's face. His palms are cold. "I want this. I want you."

Ian pulls Liam's shirt off immediately, Liam helping him to get it off. He falls down to kiss Liam, his lips move down to Liam's jaw then his neck. Slowly, he leaves a trail of kisses down the other's abdomen, leading all the way to his boxers. Ian looks up, making eye contact as he slips Liam's boxers off.

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Love you ♡

- Z