Their lips met, and the world stopped moving.

The kiss only lasted a few seconds, but the moment stretched on, every sensation bringing with it a new spark to light up the world. Shane’s head tipped a bit to return the kiss, exchanging gentle pressure. His lips were soft and inviting, parted just enough that Zach could taste a hint of his tongue past them, but he didn’t dare yet explore. His long fingers brushed along Shane’s cheeks, feeling smooth skin turn rough from traces of stubble once they reached his jaw. He cupped there, keeping Shane’s head tipped up.

Shane leaned closer, enough that their chests brushed against each other. Zach could feel hints of firm, toned flesh under the layers of clothes, and he ached to know just what unwrapping this present might reveal. The shorter man’s lips parted, a soft moan muffled against Zach’s mouth, practically begging for more. The sound was even more endearing than his singing, and he was certain if it continued his knees really would give out.

It was then that it truly struck him what he was doing.

He was kissing Shane.

He hadn’t even really meant to. He’d just gotten so caught up in Shane’s performance. He knew Shane was trying to make him laugh, and there was something about Shane’s unwavering confidence and desire to cheer him up that made Zach’s heart race. He’d always loved men who could make him laugh. But humor aside… Shane sang like an angel. His voice was like silk brushing across his skin, each verse bringing new waves of warmth and goosebumps that made him shiver all over. And the way Shane was looking at him… He’d stared intensely, meeting Zach’s eyes, throughout the whole song, and despite the goofy expressions and gestures, Zach was certain he saw real emotion there. He wasn’t just singing to him, he was singing for him. Maybe, just maybe, Shane meant the words. Was he really asking Zach to love him? Pleading for Zach to make up his mind? He wasn’t sure if he should laugh or swoon, but either way he was left feeling weak in the knees.

Without a doubt, Shane was definitely the sort of man he was looking for, and kissing him had felt like the only possible thing he could do.

But now reality was catching up with him, the fantasy the song had weaved around him falling away. Panic made his heart skip a beat, and without thinking he gasped and pulled back, eyes going wide.

Shane was staring up at him, lips parted so temptingly while he took a couple quick breaths. But he seemed to guess Zach needed some space, so he leaned back enough that air rushed between their bodies, though his hand lingered on Zach’s hip with a gentle grip.

“Oh my god—I, uh…” Zach swallowed, fumbling over his words. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking. I just, uh…”

“Don’t apologize,” Shane said, reaching to take his hand with his free one, lacing his fingers through Zach’s. “If you didn’t notice, I was kissing you back. Besides, who doesn’t get caught up in the entrancing melodies of Lionel Richie? Perfectly natural reaction.”

Zach snorted, just softly, then blinked a few times. His tongue darted out over his lips, tasting the lingering taste of Shane’s kiss, recalling the echo of his soft, needy groan. Yeah, he’d definitely been enjoying it. His head dipped shyly. “Yeah. It was pretty nice.”

“Really damn nice,” Shane agreed. “Got to admit, I’m a fan. Big fan of kissing you. Definitely open to doing it again sometime.”

He glanced upwards to meet Shane’s eyes and saw the sincerity there, some of his nerves easing, so he chuckled softly. “That’d be nice. And… seriously. You have a really beautiful voice. Like… wow.”

“I’m happy to continue serenading you while we finish dinner.” Shane glanced over Zach’s shoulder to the stove. “So long as you’re able to control yourself. Pretty sure the chicken is burning.”

Zach jolted upright, eyes going wide. Spinning around so quickly left him a bit dizzy, but seeing the smoke and smelling the faint burnt scent coming from the pans was enough to set him into motion. “Oh no!”

He thought he caught Shane smirking as he hurried to salvage the chicken and beans. The meat was a little scorched on one side, but thankfully it didn’t look like the chicken would be too overdone. The beans, after some stirring, looked like they’d be all right as well.

The next half hour was filled with more singing and cooking, though Shane avoided any more sensual love ballads. Thank god. Zach wasn’t sure his heart—or his cock—could handle more of that temptation. Once Zach admitted he liked pop music, Shane stuck to more current, upbeat songs. Zach still couldn’t help but look over to watch him sing and bob his head though, enjoying seeing Shane do something that brought him such joy.

It was an experience Zach hadn’t had in a long time. He’d cooked plenty of meals for his partners before, but rarely had cooked one with them. Shane seemed eager to make sure Zach didn’t do all the work, frequently asking what else he needed, and if there wasn’t a task they could share, he’d focus on entertaining him instead. He even helped to clean and wash the dishes while Zach was finishing things up.

Noah never would have done this for him. He would have made some excuse about how tired he was, or claimed he would just end up burning or cutting himself if he tried to help. Twisted things around to make himself look too weak or helpless to do anything for himself, which made Zach even more resigned to do everything for him. For little reward or gratitude, either. Noah had only ever thanked him or fussed over the things Zach did for him if it was special, and the bar for what was special had only gone up the longer they were together, until Zach was always struggling to meet unreasonable expectations. Only doing what was necessary was no longer an option anymore. It’d been so tiring.

But this night was full of joy and laughter, and Shane was complimenting every little thing he tasted, no matter how easy it was. He didn’t push for more intimacy, either. Zach caught him watching him out of the corner of his eyes here and there, but he was giving him the space he needed to be comfortable, rather than demanding more. Which, while he wanted more, he wasn’t sure if he could handle right now, so he was grateful for Shane’s consideration. Still, there were light touches—brushes of Shane’s hand at his back, squeezes of hands when they weren’t busy cooking. It made him all the more eager for the time he would be able to handle more.

And at the end they had a table full of food that looked absolutely delicious.

They decided to eat in the living room instead of at the kitchen table, so they could be more comfortable and watch a movie during dinner. After some playful debate they settled on the new Jumanji movie, which would satisfy their comedy fix and have a little more action for Shane’s tastes. It was a silly movie, but that was exactly the sort Zach enjoyed. Not to mention he had good food, and even better company to share it with. They had started with a foot or two of distance between them, but as the movie went on space slowly dwindled until their arms and thighs were nestled up against each other. Shane even rested his head on Zach’s shoulder, and by the end he had his arm around the shorter man’s shoulders, and they were nestled against each other comfortably.

It felt really, really good.

Then came the awkwardness after. Zach didn’t really want Shane to leave, but he wasn’t exactly sure what to do next.

Thankfully, Shane broke the silence after the credits had started rolling. His head was tilted back so he could look up at him without having to move from his position. “I had a really great time tonight, you know. Dinner was fucking amazing. And… well, all this. Everything. I’d really like it if maybe we could do it again sometime, but I’m kind of thinking maybe I should head home soon, so neither of us is tempted to push things further. Kinda seems like you’re wanting to take things slow, right?”

Zach stared down at him, biting his lip. He couldn’t help but feel disappointed at the thought of Shane leaving, but he did have a point. If they were really going to do this, Zach needed to take his time. Heck, just kissing Shane had made him panic for a moment. He didn’t want to get more intimate only to ruin what had otherwise been a perfect night.

He sighed. “Ugh. I hate it, but yeah… You’re right.”

Shane nodded, accepting the reply without issue, though he did lean up and give Zach a peck on the cheek, only to smirk when Zach’s cheeks reddened. “It’s all good. We’ll see each other soon. If nothing else, we have the concert in a couple of days. You’re still coming, right?”

“Of course I’m going,” Zach replied, smiling. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“Good.” Shane grinned. “Maybe we can hang out after it. It’s a Friday night, so I’m sure the kids won’t stick around too long once we’re done.”

“I don’t mind hanging out with the kids too, but—yeah, that sounds good.”

He nodded, then reluctantly he sat up and pulled away so Shane could stand. Zach followed him to the door, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. But Shane seemed cool and confident, and turned to give Zach a sweet smile of reassurance.

“Thank you for turning a really shitty day into an amazing night, Zach. It was a lot of fun.”

“You’re welcome,” he said softly, feet shuffling. “I really enjoyed it too. Thanks for helping with dinner. And, um—I should have the article finished by Friday, so I can bring it for you and the kids to read and make sure it’s all right?”

“First off, pfft, thank you for dinner. You did most of the work, and it was delicious.” Shane’s smile warmed. “Sounds good, for the article. Gotta admit, I’m pretty nervous, but really looking forward to it. It’ll be doing a lot of good.”

“I hope so. I’m gonna do my best,” he assured.

Shane nodded, then his eyes glinted hopefully. “Can I have a kiss goodbye?”

Zach swallowed down his nerves, but instead of answering he leaned in and pressed his lips to Shane’s. He was met halfway, and while this kiss didn’t make him feel like he was being lifted off into an alternate Lionel Richie empowered fantasy, it still left him feeling weak in the knees, and he was pretty sure he had the most goofy looking smile possible on his face when they parted. He didn’t even care, because Shane’s smile was beautiful and his eyes were stealing away his heart.

“Goodnight, Zach.” Shane’s hand brushed lightly along his arm before he turned to step through the doorway, then down the path towards his car.

“Night…” He leaned against the doorframe and watched him go. It was dark by now, and the Christmas lights were glowing and twinkling all around. It cast Shane in the most beautiful glow that made his skin shine, like he was suddenly some glimmering bronze statue of Adonis. When he reached his car he looked back to smile and wave, the lights illuminating his perfect cheekbones and those kissable full lips. It took all of his control not to sprint through the yard to snatch him up to drag back inside.

God, he was beautiful.

He returned the wave, then reluctantly stepped back as Shane started to get into his car. He waited to close the door until Shane had pulled out onto the street, but forced himself to not go so far as to watch him disappear down the road like some lonely lovestruck puppy.

Instead he moved to collapse onto the couch, pulling one of the throw pillows against his chest to cling to. It was a poor substitute for the gorgeous man that had been there moments before, but he still held it close while he curled up.

He smiled to himself, and started to hum the melody of the song Shane had melted his heart with. He’d have it stuck in his head all night.

Not that he minded one bit.