[JULIAN]

I checked my watch for the time as I walked down the driveway. It was a little past four pm.

"Thank goodness," I sighed in relief. It wasn't too early to meet up with Zeus but it's not as if I've been checking the time. Okay, maybe I am jittery. I've been craving to see him since forever. I admitted to myself clenching the straps of my knapsack. Zeus' jacket was well dry cleaned and neatly folded inside. I'd rather die than let him guess what I ever did with it.

At reaching the nearest bus stop I hailed a cab. The park wasn't too far away, three blocks at much. The excitement of seeing Zeus probably overshadowed the doubts all this would because I could swear my heart skipped a beat when the cab came to a stop. I looked out the window just to be sure it was the right park. It was. The neatly tamed tulips at the entrance were enough proof. I paid the driver and got off. I clenched the straps of my knapsack securely. I bit my lip nervously. What if he didn't wasn't here yet, what if he wasn't coming—

"Focus," I murmured to myself walking down the part.

I liked the warm scenery of the park I liked how cliché the children looked coming down on slides or swinging on swings. The grasses were cut short and didn't fill sticky with dew under the sole of my sneakers. It didn't take long to find Zeus. I mean he was one in a million with his hair. He was sitting on a park bench with a laptop sitting on his lap and his hair was in an unsuccessful bun that was falling apart on top of his head. Before I could decide how to approach him he looked straight up at me and smiled. My face warmed up as I looked down. How did he do it? How did he affect me by just smiling like that?

"Um, hey," I said walking up to him. My nervous eyes still on the floor

"Hey," Zeus said closing his laptop before placing it on top of a closed briefcase lying on the grass.

"I..." I trailed, blushing. Why couldn't I come up with anything to say? Why was it so difficult to talk to him?

"Here," Zeus said patting the empty space beside him on the park bench. I hesitated before hurrying over to sit on the space beside him, holding my knapsack to my chest. I didn't want to set it on the grass. I didn't trust my hands. They may betray me and try to do what I've been imagining for weeks.

I blushed furiously as Zeus took my hand in his, making slow circles over my knuckles. The grip I still managed to have on my knapsack with the other hand loosened and the knapsack rolled down to the grass. I peeped up at Zeus Ignoring the fact that I had just dropped my knapsack.

"It's quiet here," Zeus commented to no one in particular. I nodded looking down at our entwined hands again, not daring to move afraid he'd take his hand away.

"I know a spot. We could get there in my car," Zeus suggested.

"What do you think?" he asked, turning to me, his green eyes shining with boyish excitement.

"Sure," I mused then blushed. What was wrong with me? Why couldn't I talk normally?

Zeus beamed at me before getting up and then squatting on the grass to put his laptop into the suitcase and arrange a few more things. It was taking a bit more time than I expected it to. It's not that I mind, at least I was getting to properly look at him without him noticing. God, that sounded like some serious stalker shit. I thought as my face warmed up.

I still looked at him anyway, stalker shit or no stalker shit. He had nice brown Aztec joggers on with a nice long-sleeved silk shirt. The way it clung to his body when the wind blew gave me a good reason to assume he wasn't wearing anything underneath.

Zeus suddenly got up with his suitcase in hand. He looked at me with a smirk and his brows raised in question. I blushed and averted my gaze to the grass. I must have been staring.

"Let's go," he said, straightening up. I nodded before hurrying over to my knapsack a little distance away from the park bench. I swung the straps over my shoulders before walking up to Zeus.

Zeus suddenly took my hand in his. I just blushed and looked down at the grass. But darn if I was going to complain. We walked hand in hand to the parking lot ignoring all the weird looks we were getting. I could spot his BMW from where we were. I liked how glossy and new it looked.

Getting closer to the car Zeus took his hand away from mine, my heart fell even if it was probably to fetch his keys. I watched him retrieve his keys from the pocket of his jogger pants. At pressing the unlock key on the remote, I watched as a white spotted dog flew out of the back seat and all the way up to Zeus. The dog circled him for a few minutes before settling to lick the base of Zeus' hand. My eyes widened in surprise. Zeus had a dog?

"He can open the door," Zeus said in a matter-of-fact tone squatting to pet the dog on its head.

"By the way its name Spots," He said now holding the dog's two paws in his hands as it attempted to lick his face. I blushed just at how cute it was.

"Come on boy greet Julian," Zeus said getting up. The dog looked up at me questioning. Its head corked and it's tail wagging reduced to slow waves.

"He's my friend," Zeus said taking my hand in his again. I frowned. I am not sure I liked being referred to as his friend. The dog corked his head to the other side staring at our entwined hands.

Just like Zeus would. I thought, chuckling. Its ears picked up before it started barking and running around us in circles. It finally slipped falling to the ground and stretching out its legs, exposing its tummy for a rub.

"We don't have time for that. Now, do we?" Zeus asked looking down at the dog. It whimpered then ran off to the car again. Zeus laughed and I smiled. I liked it when Zeus laughed. It was like having a taste of honey and always wanting more.

"Come on, we better get going before he decides he wants the front seat." Zeus smiled. He dragged me along to the car leaving me only to open the front door before heading to the driver's seat on the other side. I stared at him until he disappeared into the car.

He opened the door. I thought, feeling a blush coming in. I shook my head. What am I thinking? I thought as I got into the car.

The scenery of the park looked so surreal through the window. It was like staring into an idealistic painting. Everything was perfectly in place, the children, and the families — the couples. I thought, blushing. I could hear Zeus humming. He seemed to like humming. I was getting to know more about Zeus. I liked that. I liked that a lot.

"We'll have a picnic by the pond. What do you think?" Zeus asked randomly. I could feel his steady gaze on me. I blushed, nodding.

"Look at me. Don't you want to look at me?" Zeus asked, still humming. I blushed. I'd only been looking out the window because I didn't want to stare

"Look at me," Zeus demanded. I turned to him, and he smiled. I loved his smile. It was sincere and honest. I loved the dimple on his left cheek. I loved it so much.

"There, for a minute I thought you didn't want to be here," Zeus said his smile widening, his dimple becoming more prominent.

"I do," I said looking down at my lap. I clenched my palms into fists. Why was I so awkward around him?

"We're here," Zeus said stepping on the break. He turned to me and gently smiled before opening his door and getting out of the car. I got off after a few minutes to meet up with him. He was at the back of the car unloading the booth, Spots fidgeting around him. The dog seemed to like Zeus a lot, judging from the way it begged for attention. Running in circles around him or hugging his legs when Zeus wasn't moving.

"Lovely thing I can't believe no one wanted him," Zeus said out of the blue as he patted the dog on its head. My grip on the Knapsack straps tightened. Is it odd to feel jealous of a dog?

Turning away I looked out at the pond. I was calm and empty lacking the occasional ducks or geese. I turned over to look at Zeus who was still petting the dog.

We're practically alone. I thought as I started to feel nervous. Why is the thought of being with Zeus so exciting? I asked myself as I unconsciously bit my bottom lip.

"Lovely, isn't it?" Zeus said squatting to pick up a blanket.

"Come on you can carry the basket spots," He said getting up and walking towards the pond. The dog followed behind him as it carried the basket between his teeth.

Zeus stopped under a tree by the pond. I had to admit it was an amazing spot. Under the tree was cool and airy and the view of the pond from here was amazing. I squinted attempting to stare at the sun that was gradually setting.

"Julian," Zeus called. I turned my gaze towards him. He was sitting on the plain cream blanket he spread under the tree. Spots were resting his head on Zeus' lap, getting rubbed between the ears. A stack of plates and paper cups lay at the side; the basket lay open beside spots. He must have done all this when I was taking in the view. I looked at spots again, the funny feeling of jealousy resurfacing.

"Come," Zeus, said patting the spot beside him. I smiled moving to sit beside him. I clenched the knapsack to my chest, enjoying the comfortable silence.

"Which do you prefer, a slice of pie or a plain sandwich?" Zeus asked reaching for the basket on the other side of him and Spots. He gently balanced it on his lap before looking at me expectantly.

"Oh, um, Just pie," I mumbled under my breath. Zeus nodded beginning to search the basket and soon produced a Ziploc with a sandwich in it.

"Is there anything you want to drink?" Zeus asked as he handed me the Ziploc. I suddenly remembered the yogurt and blushed.

"Um, I actually brought some yogurt. I—I— err—remembered you said you liked them," I stammered, red visibly coloring my face.

I think I've forgotten how to open a Ziploc bag because I'm fumbling with it, badly. I sighed in frustration still trying to figure out how to open the bag. Zeus suddenly reached out and took it from me. I blushed as I watched him easily open the bag.

"Here," he said, handing the Ziploc bag back to me.

"Thanks..." I trailed.

"About the yogurt," Zeus brought up, beaming.

"Oh, in my knapsack," I mumbled, biting into my sandwich to avoid mumbling nonsense.

"You washed it?" I heard Zeus suddenly say, amused. What was he talking about? I thought as I moved my gaze to him. He was holding my —  sorry, his jacket to his nose. He looked — disappointed.

"Well, I..." I trailed, then stopped. I couldn't come up it a reasonable excuse why I washed the jacket — except, you know, the truth. My face heated up just by the thought of it. No, there was no way I was telling him that. God, why didn't I think of this before?

"Thanks anyway." Zeus smiled, laying his jacket over Spots who was still dossing beside him. Um, is it okay if I wanted to kill the dog?

"I love this," Zeus said, examining the bottle of yogurt. I smiled at that. At least I got something right. Zeus separated the paper cups by the side of the blanket. I stole a peek at him. He was still smiling, still happy. I smiled too. Seeing Zeus happy made me happy.

"So, what do you do when you're bored?" Zeus asked taking a sip of yogurt from a paper cup.

"Um..." I trailed and then blushed. I loved painting, but I — what I was painting at the moment was private.

"Um..." Zeus trailed before licking his lips and chuckling. Was he teasing me? I rolled my eyes. I wasn't going to be angry because he didn't know how silly, and how — hot he was being. Okay, I had it bad. Real bad.

"I paint. I also like doing graphic prints." I finally managed as I devoured the last bit of my sandwich.

"That's extraordinary," Zeus cooed, beaming at me.

"I adore painting but I never have enough time to get into it. I rather do the interior designs of homes," Zeus said.

"Wow. You must really renovate your house a lot," I said in awe as I took a juice box from the basket still nested on Zeus' lap. Zeus' eyes suddenly widened.

"Yeah, I do that," Zeus said awkwardly looking away from me. What was wrong? I thought to myself. I shook my head deciding to ignore that.

"Julian," Zeus called, hitting the tips of his pointing fingers against each other.

"Yes," I answered, looking at him with a curious glance.

"Um, if you knew someone that was, say a billionaire how would you start acting around the person if you just found out? You know, I'm just asking," Zeus rambled as his eyes moved from me to the sleeping mutt beside him.

I frowned, a little confused. Why was he pushing me to ask this? What did that question have to do with anything? I glanced at him, he was staring at me intensely now. He looked desperate, desperate for the answer.

"I seriously don't know," I said, taking another sip of my juice. Zeus grimaced and then sighed.

"I thought so," Zeus sighed again clearly disappointed at my answer.

"But if I was close to the person I don't think I would act any differently," I said, slowly turning my juice box between my fingers.

"Julian..." Zeus trailed. I could hear him move closer, could feel his breath on my neck. I gasped. Why is he so close? I wondered, biting down on my bottom lip. I stirred to look at him. His eyes were cloudy — filled with want.

"You—" I tried to say as his lips pressed against mine.

[ZEUS]

Tamara told me to go for it and that's what I was doing in full force.

My lips were pressed against Julian's. I couldn't believe how incredibly soft they were. I pressed my lips harder against his then sighed in frustration at his lack of response.

He doesn't want this. I thought as I pulled back.

"I'm sorry I really don't know what..." I began to mumble, turning away from him, not wanting to see the disgust on his face.

"No!" Julian yelled before holding and turning my face sharply towards him. I sniffed. Funny I wasn't aware I was crying.

"No," Julian said again, softly this time, his face a faint shade of pink.

"I understand, okay? I won't try something like that again. You can..." I paused trying to call down. I was frustrated, angry... sad.

"No!" Julian yelled again. I kept shut. Let him do it. Let him tell me how disgusting I was.

"No... I meant... do that again. Don't stop please," Julian said his face flushed a light pink.

"But if you don't want to..." Julian said, clearly embarrassed, his hands dropping from my face.

"No! I... I do," I whispered, leaning into him. My lips connected with his. Our lips moved against each other's experimentally. We continued like this for a while, just feeling, moving. Julian moaned before letting out a small gasp. I groaned, frustrated. I wanted to kiss him senseless but I didn't want to scare him, scare him when he was finally opening up to me.

Julian gasped again, his lips parting slightly. I took the opportunity to slip my tongue into his mouth. I moaned in bliss as he sucked on my tongue. God, Julian. I thought as I felt the slim of his back through his shirt. Julian moaned, digging into my scalp with his hands. His hands wandered before finding my rubber band holding the miserable bun in place. He tugged on it letting my hair fall in a curtain around us.

"Zeus," Julian whimpered, crawling on top of my lap, his legs on either side of me. Feeling our groins rub together through the fabric of our trousers. I moaned, pulling him closer to me. My hands went to pull at the hem of his shirt but Julian's hands clamped over mine. I looked up at Julian who was staring at me, his eyes wide and lips swollen from kissing.

"Too far?" I asked, panting. A light blush crawled into Julian's cheeks. He shook his head and before I knew it his shirt was gone, falling a little distance away from the blanket.

"Julian," I hummed, running my hands over his naked chest. He had that flat dashboard stomach any swimmer would die for.

"Zeus," Julian said, tugging at my shirt. I laughed, still running my hands over his contracting abs. I was just so happy, so unbelievably happy.

Julian gasped before sucking on his upper lip as the fingers of his right hand traced my abs through the thin material of my shirt. I sucked in some air, letting his fingers gently undo the buttons. We stared at each other as his hand worked its way up my bare chest. I groaned digging my fingers into his hips. I whimpered, gasping. God, I couldn't take it anymore. I could feel him against me, all warm and hard—

"Zeus," Julian gasped, letting his left hand join his right. I groaned. I couldn't take it anymore, so I gently raised him from my lap and let him drop again. Julian's mouth parted in a surprised 'o.'

"Oh God, do that again," Julian begged, rocking against me. I groaned as my eyes rolled back. If things continued at this rate I might:

1. Fuck him here.

2. Cum in my pants.

3. Die of happiness.

Well, I'm not ready to find out. I thought, suppressing a moan as I took hold of Julian's moving hips. He wiggled and whimpered in protest.

"Stop, I'm not sure I can hold it in much longer," I whimpered. I watched Julian's face turn a deep red. I watched in disbelief as his right hand fell to the zipper of my pants.

"No. No..." I managed, groaning.

"Why not?" Julian asked, still blushing. Okay, I'm coming to the conclusion that whoever was sitting on my lap wasn't Julian. This monster was using ultimate cuteness against me.

"We can't. We'll wake Spots," I managed. I narrowed my eyes trying to concentrate as Julian started rocking on top of me.

"Then we'll just kiss," Julian murmured, brushing loose strands of hair from my forehead. Wait, were we going to do something more than kissing? I wondered, licking my lips in anticipation.

"No. I — God, Julian," I moaned, taking hold of his waist as he nibbled my earlobe.

"We'll be quiet," Julian whispered, and I, well — gave in.

[JULIAN]

I think I've died and gone to heaven severally within the last few minutes. I smiled in contentment. I was resting my head on Zeus' lap enjoying the feel of his long hair grazing my cheeks. He was combing my hair with his lean fingers and I was grinning like a fool.

Zeus had kissed me, he had really kissed me. I thought and blushed. I gasped as his hand ran up and down my sides.

I couldn't help it I peeped up at Zeus through his curtain of hair. His face was flushed and his lips were swollen from kissing. I had a nice view of his freckled chest that was partially covered by the silk top that was still hanging from his shoulders. God, I want to kiss him again. I thought, my eyes softening in want.

"You know, I kind of regret Spots stopping us." Zeus smiled, still running his hands up and down my sides. I blushed. The dog had actually ended things by waking up and barking. Zeus had given it a bowl of dried vegetables. I'm still thinking about it — how a dog ate vegetables. I looked over at the pond to find the Spots basking at the edge of the pond.

"We better get going," Zeus sighed, still brushing my hair. My heart sank. I didn't want to go back home — back to Linda.

"You know I got you a present," Zeus said, changing topics as he continued to play with my hair. I smiled. I was glad he changed the topic. I didn't want to leave just yet.

"I got you a phone so we could talk and all..." Zeus trailed. My eyes opened wide in horror. Linda would never let me keep it.

"Relax," Zeus said petting my hair. I settled my head down on his lap, calming down.

"She can't take something she didn't get you, can she?" he asked. I shook my head in agreement. He was actually right.

"Good. Um, can I drop you off?" Zeus asked, looking down at me expectantly.

"No," I whispered in regret. Zeus sighed

"It's okay, at least I can see you off." He smiled at me. I smiled back at him, feeling all warm and cozy inside.

We left the spot a few minutes later. Zeus and Spots had walked me to the parking lot.

"Here," Zeus said handing me a box wrapped in brown paper. I raised my brow in question. Why was he giving me this?

"The phone." He smiled, answering my silent question. I nodded, looking down at the package.

"So, see you," he said and my heart fell in regret.

"What?" Zeus asked, his voice teasing me.

"N—No goodbye kiss?" I asked, testing the waters. Zeus chuckled before leaning in to peck me. It was quick but worth it.

"See you," I said, trying to walk away only to realize I was being weighed down. I looked down at my legs in confusion, only to find Spots hugging them. I chuckled, and then my chuckle turned into a full-blown laugh.

"See you too Spots," I said and walked away.

As I walked away I was starting to feel lonely by the time I reached the bus stop. Maybe I should have accepted Zeus' ride. I can still go back. No, it's already past seven, Linda would run mad. I thought, trying to convince myself. I suddenly smiled, remembering something.

I can finally paint his chest. I thought and blushed.