Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 8

Andre planned ahead."
    Then they were both out the door, and Peter was alone with the person he'd been dreaming about for the past two years. Admittedly, he'd thought he was dreaming about a girl, but this sick to his stomach, giddy feeling wasn't changing one bit now that he knew Hinata was a guy. Peter didn't know what that meant, not in the big picture. He did know that right now, in this exact minute, he didn't want Hinata to leave. He especially didn't want to wait weeks and maybe months to heal before he could spend time with the fascinating man again.
    "Can you come to the house? I mean, before I get healed? Just. I think I'd like to know you more. If'n that's alright with you?" Peter cursed in his head. His damn hillbilly accent always got stronger when he was nervous, and he was sweating bullets now.
    ****
    Hinata flashed a quick glance up at Peter. He opened his mouth to say no and was shocked to hear very different words fly into the air. "I would like that. Very much."
    Peter's smile nearly blinded him, and the piercing sweetness of the look he bestowed on Hinata was worth whatever late nights would accompany the time spent at Peter's house. He needed time to grow his business, time he could only buy with good grades to keep his mother far away. Hinata calculated the time he would need to spend at the dance studio, and the time required by his college courses. He could eat in the car on his way to and from places. He could catch short naps in the car as well. He could manage the hectic schedule for a short time. He could go without a lot to spend time with Peter.
    "I may have to study some nights." The light in Peter's eyes dimmed a bit, and Hinata hastened to soften the blow. "But if you would not mind, perhaps I could come to have supper with you and study there afterwards?"
    Peter reached up to push a lock of dark blond hair out of his eyes. He wrinkled his nose charmingly. "I'm not much of a cook, but I can make some simple dishes. If you don't mind eating a lot of spaghetti and hamburgers, I reckon we'll make do."
    Hinata shivered as Peter's voice dipped into the honeyed tones so similar to the speech patterns of his cousins, but more understandable. He cleared his throat. "I would like that. I enjoyed being in your home. It was very warm. The whole house felt like my garden when the sun shines." Hinata spread one small hand out over his belly. "Here, inside, it felt warm like that. My house does not feel so warm."
    Peter made a low noise, and suddenly his hand was over Hinata's and he tugged Hinata forward until the railing dug into the smaller man's ribs. "Are you so alone? I thought you had family."
    Hinata looked up, stricken to his core. He had not meant to say so much. He tugged at the hold Peter had on his hand. "Oh. I... I did not— I must go. I have class now. I. Forgive me. My tongue runs away sometimes." He dipped his head in a brisk bow. "Forgive me for not staying to breakfast with you. I—" He broke off, a mew of hurt slipping from him despite his best efforts to suppress the sound. Peter immediately released his hand, and Hinata reeled back from the bed.
    The big blond stretched out his hand imploringly. "I'm sorry, Hinata. Did I mash your hand? I didn't mean to, really I didn't. I swear I'll be more careful. If'n you just give me a chance?" The dip in Peter's voice, the way his eyes dropped away from Hinata's… oh, no, no, no. Hinata could not allow Peter to believe he had inflicted injury. He forced himself to stop just inside the door to the hallway. "I am not harmed. Please do not think you caused me pain. I… I have shamed myself. I—" Hinata swallowed heavily.
    Peter lurched as if he would rise, hissed in pain, and dropped back against his pillows. "I reckon I haven't got a clue what you're talking about. I know I want to see you again. Soon. When can you come by the house?"
    Hinata blinked. The other man seemed to be having an entirely different conversation. "I could come tonight after my classes finish. The last one finishes at nine."
    Peter nodded. "Well, I reckon I'll nap for a bit this afternoon so's I won't be tired when you get there. Oh, wait." He pulled the drink tray toward him. "Which of these is yours and which is mine? You outta at least take your breakfast with you… there ain't enough of you for you to be going without meals."
    Hinata blinked again, and a tiny smile bloomed on his face. "Thank you. I do not have a break until two, and I would have been very