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Dante had kept himself busy all morning, after seeing Alex things had gone pretty smoothly. A few came over to ask his advice on something or other, and Dante had to wonder how the new guy was suddenly the 'go to' guy. Still, he shook it off and carried on working.

As Dante heard footsteps approach once more he looked up, smiling slightly when he saw it was Jeremy. He didn't catch the action though, knowing all too well that he smiled at everyone.... though right now it was far from a 'plastic' smile. "Your tag is showing, Andrews,"

His smile changed to a furrowed brow, "It is?" he asked in confusion, about to pat the back of his neck when Jeremy did it for him and spoke again, "Polyester blend? Fancy" Dante quirked his brow at that. He wasn't sure any of the shirts he owned were polyester blend.... due to the clients he used to work with he had refused to buy anything but the 'best', and now that he thought about it most of his shirts had the tags in the side not at the top, only the designer name label was at the top. So... what had Jeremy just wanted to touch him?

He moved his neck, suddenly feeling something foreign resting upon his flesh. He reached up as Jeremy walked off, and plucked the yellow note from it's hiding place. Excuse to touch? He wondered again. Surely he could have just put it on his desk, or brought a file over with it on top? That had Dante smiling... even as his mind began to worry.

Lunch at the cafe? Was it possible that Jeremy wanted to break up with him? Wanted to forget about last night? Part of Dante had been expecting that.... could something born from so many raw emotions actually work?

The note was plucked from his hands a moment later and his eyes shot up to find Phil grinning down at him. "Lunch at the cafe? Seems our boy is finally making a move on you." Unsure how to take those words Dante remained quite. He didn't even know if Jeremy had told the guy or not, and had no intention of accidently letting slip.

Not wanting to say nothing and appear rude Dante finally said, "Em... yeah. I guess." He rubbed the back of his neck a little nervously.

Phil slapped him on the back, just as he had the day before at the party, "Don't worry so much." He said before leaving, but the way he left made Dante feel chills, as if he had somehow read something into his actions....

He didn't think about it for long though as he grabbed the new design drafts and the client file before heading for Jeremy's office. Empty? Assuming the guy was on his rounds he was about to leave... at least until he turned around and saw him approaching. "Ah... Mr. Wilkinson." He started, hoping that he wasn't blushing or something else embarrassing. "I brought the Tweedy drafts for you to check." There was no way he planned on giving the guys note an answer out here in the open. Maybe he should just hand the file over and leave? Not sure what was for the best Dante waited, deciding that Jeremy would either tell him to get in or scram.

Dante followed Jeremy into the office and handed over the file, waiting patiently for the other to look through the thing. He made a mental note of each 'correction' before bowing softly, "Thank you, Mr. Wilkinson." Approaching the desk he took the folder back.

"Was there anything else?" Dante wasn't sure if he should just speak or check to see if anyone was approaching, in the end he did a quick check with a swift turn of his head before saying, "I will meet you there." He debated telling him about Phil now but decided that could wait until they shared their lunch.

With a soft sigh he bowed again, "Thank you again Mr Wilkinson, I shall have those corrections done right away." And with that he left the office. This was still so new to him. he wasn't sure if he was going too far.... was it possible he could have relaxed a little? Would he had been more relaxed here had this whole situation not started? Dante had no idea, but in the end he decided that if anyone saw him they put it down to him still being new and finding the ropes, or maybe just that he was always one to exhibit such manners... at least he hoped he would.

Looking at the clock he saw that there wasn't too long before lunchtime, so he did the corrections and sorted out a few other things before finishing. He hesitated leaving his seat, suddenly feeling a little nervous.... what was he meant to say? Or do? And why couldn't he shift the feeling he was about to be dumped? Was he meant to act more like a lover at dinner or keep things strictly professional? Either way Dante had a feeling he was going to be exhausted by the end of the day.

He stood to leave when the mailman approached, "Oh, Thank you." He said softly before attempting to make his leave again. Though as the guy started to speak Dante's manners took over and he paused, "You haven't come to see me yet.... just wanted to remind you that you still can, Cutie." Dante cringed a little and turned on the guy, "Thank you, but I am afraid I have to decline the offer right now."

That seemed to catch the guys attention, "What you with someone?"

He smiled softly, but didn't reply beyond a soft bow before taking his leave. Dante knew all too well that whatever was going on with him and Jeremy was too new to contemplate revealing to the world... and he also knew that Jeremy would probably want Phil know before random office workers. With a sigh he entered the cafe a little while later, ordering quickly before making his way to the table they had shared last time, taking a bite of his toastie. He had thought he was late but it seemed Jeremy was running later than he was.

Dante hadn't waited for too long before Jeremy arrived with a clang of the door bell. Of course, by this time he had somehow managed to eat at least half of his lunch.

"Sorry I'm late, I got a little caught up in an unwanted conversation," He smiled softly as Jeremy sat down, finishing his mouthful before speaking; "It's ok, I figured you just got tied up." He took another bite and almost choked on it while the other spoke again.

An actual date? Well, there went his fears that this was likely going to be over today before anything really started. Swallowing he looked up at the guy and nodded. "Sounds nice, what do you have in mind?"

It was then he remembered that Phil had seen the note, but he suddenly wasn't sure if he should tell Jeremy or not.... his eyes wandered to the door before returning to Jeremy. "Don't kill me.... but Phil saw your note earlier. He snatched it out of my hand.... eh.... sorry." He sighed softly, "I have no idea if you told him or not so I did my best not to reveal anything." He took another bite, lowering his gaze to his food for a moment before back up at Jeremy. "How has your morning been? Do you feel better today?" He asked softly, concern furrowing his brow softly.

Dante listened to Jeremy's words, even if he wondered if the guys chest was moving up and down because he was secretly laughing at something... "Are you the type of man who prefers the intimate setting of a home made dinner at your place or mine? Or are you the type of man who prefers something more along the lines of a movie date? It's your choice, really. I'm just trying to charm you."

"Charm me?" He teased, raising an eyebrow at the comment. "What type of man am I....?" He drawled taking another bite, "....well, with the right person I can be very ....flexible." Dante didn't look back at Jeremy then, not sure how the guy would take the clear double entendre of his words. Still, he took a moment to seriously contemplate the options, even as a playful smile covered his lips. If they had dinner at one of their houses then it would likely lead to other things... which considering everything wasn't the worst that could happen, but was far from taking things slow. If they went out they could get caught by someone they knew... but then again, Dante had never really got to show off the man he was with before, so the opportunity now was almost tantalising. He sighed softly before looking back over at Jeremy, "I predict something outside of the house would be best if we wish to take things slow. Even if a movie on the sofa and some grub sounds appetising. Still, I'm pretty easy I guess." He said honestly.

The moment he mentioned Phil he noticed Jeremy's mood change and instantly regretted bringing it up. He moved he hand under the table and fisted his hand... how stupid could he be? Did he simply have a talent for saying the wrong things? "Ok." Was all he could bring himself to say on the topic.

Dante listened to the guy as he continued to speak, "I have to admit...I'm a little embarrassed about how I conducted myself with you last night. I'm sorry my composure faulted that much around you. How about you? Feeling alright?" Dante shook his head softly, not really sure what to say now since he had no intention of bringing up the conversation they had had last night, even as the image of Jeremy on his floor wrapped in a blanket flooded back to him. "Think nothing of it." He paused for a moment, wondering if he should say more... as if to give himself an excuse to pause a little longer he took another bite of his lunch. "Fear not, I shall not tell anyone or linger too much on such memories." He lowered his gaze then.

"I'm ok...." He said at last, there was no way he planned on telling the guy that when he had woken up this morning it had felt as if he had broke his ribs all over again, or that ever muscle in his lower body seemed to ache and scream in protest. Nope, defiantly not the best thing to say. As if to distract himself and Jeremy he tried to change the topic. "Can I have your number?" Despite everything they had done exchanging digits was the one thing they hadn't, though since Phil had his he suspected that either Jeremy already had his too or could get them off his file should he decided to... of course, that didn't help Dante much.

Hearing Jeremy laugh was enough to brighten Dante's mood and make him less nervous. He couldn't believe he had been dreading this all day. Relaxing a little he found himself smiling at the guys tease; "That's for sure." He looked up then, "I will have you know I used to be a highly respectable person before I met you." Perhaps that wasn't entirely true, but Jeremy had been the only guy Dante had ever attempted a one night stand with, "I'm probably the only person who can mess up a one night fling too." He smiled a little and ate the last few bites of his lunch before having a drink.

Taking his phone out he took down Jeremy's number and saved it before giving his own in return.

"We'll plan on going somewhere secluded but public, then, yeah?"

Dante nodded, "Ok. That sounds like a decent plan." Looking over at Jeremy he couldn't help but smile, "Maybe it is my turn to treat you like a woman. Sorry," he teased repeating one thing from their first meeting, "I mean, show you my sense of chivalry and morals.... I shall protect you fair maiden, fear ye not." He put on a slight accent for the last part as he spoke, chuckling softly before taking another drink.

"Oh, and before I forget, would you like to go home together? I'll be sleeping at my own house tonight, don't worry."

Dante quirked a brow at this, not having expected Jeremy to offer. Still he nodded, "Sure." Though even as he said that a small part of him almost regretted saying they should take things slow. The truth was he rather enjoyed his time with Jeremy.... they seemed rather compatible in most things.

Deciding to risk it, he asked; "Do you want to share some dinner too?" Dante didn't care where they did if Jeremy accepted, though now that Jeremy had mentioned his 'own house' Dante couldn't help but wonder what kind of place this guy lived in. It was then he remembered something.... Jeremy has a key to my house? Or... had he left it in the apartment? Dante hadn't looked for it this morning so he wasn't sure, for now he would keep quiet.

In an effort to keep the conversation going he found himself saying; "My Father is meant to be coming over next week on business, so it would probably be best to avoid my place while he is here." It wasn't that Dante was ashamed or anything, he simply hadn't come out to his parents yet -though mostly because this was the first time he was going to see his father in person since his parents had moved to Japan several years earlier. It has always felt wrong to tell them over the phone or over skype.... and Dante found he was slightly nervous about it all.

At Jeremy's little taunts all he could do was roll his eyes and chuckle, even as he realised he was rather enjoying this back and forth dance between them that they had going.

"Like a would trust a little wimp like you to protect me," Wimp? He would have been offended had he not spotted the teasing glint in his eyes. Still, he found himself rubbing his ribs all the same, as if part of him really did believe he was a wimp. He tried not to dwell too long on those thoughts and kept a smile on his face, although it was smaller than before.

"You're just barely protecting your job."

"Pfft!" He said, making a undignified sound of protest even as his smile rose a little higher on his lips. Ok, so this side of Jeremy was far nice than the mean boss routine he pulled at work... even if that did get the results the guy wanted, this was the side of him that drew Dante. And as Jeremy said it would nice to be shown some chivalry, Dante couldn't help but feel as if he had won a small battle... as if he had won a sliver of equal ground with this controlling guy. He winked, "Good. I'll treat you right." It took him a moment but he couldn't help but feel as if he had said that before to Jeremy. Deja vu.

Of course, the happy mood came crashing down a moment later. After all the stuff about Jake and the attack Dante had neglected to remember about Jeremy's father... the other man who had harmed this brave guy before him. Guilt shredded his features even as he forced himself to speak, forced himself not to put too fine a point on things... focusing too much would only harm Jeremy more. Still, as he spoke he held out a napkin for the other to wipe his eyes. Had they been somewhere other than work Dante probably would have wiped them for him, maybe even kissed away his tears... but they were at work, and knowing the guy would probably hate him if they were caught he held back.

"Mostly. He and mother moved to Japan a few years ago.... I eh..." He rubbed the back of his neck a little nervously, especially since he hadn't expected to tell Jeremy this. "I haven't exactly... come out to them yet." He chuckled a little nervously, "Not because I am embarrassed, just simply because after they moved I haven't seen them in person.... and... well, if I am going to tell them I would rather it be in person." He sighed a little, "No idea how he will take it... he's rather... stubborn." Ok, this probably wasn't helping Jeremy at all. So he found himself holding his hand up and shaking it slightly, "Let's change the subject. We can talk about this in private if you want later....." He smiled softly, trying not to make a big deal of it.

Knowing all to well that he had yet to answer Jeremy's question about whose place he decided to use it as an opportunity to change the subject. He acted as if he hadn't mentioned his father, hoping it would stall those tears in Jeremy's eyes. "As for whose place... well.... I have never been to your's... it is further though.... but at this rate you will end up never leaving my place if we always go there." He chuckled, "Your place?" It was more of a question than an answer, he was happy for Jeremy to cancel or even change the location.

He heard the door clang then, and he looked up a little nervously... part of him remembering how Kyle had come here once, and part of him worrying it was another of their colleague... in the end it was no one that Dante recognised so he relaxed again. Checking his watch he saw there was still fifteen minutes left of lunch. In an effort to try and cheer the guy up before they went back to work he found himself saying; "May I ask you something?" He acted completely serious before a playful light shone through his eyes at his nonsense question, "Boxers or briefs?" It wasn't that he cared, he simply wanted to see that smile again.... especially since it had been his stupidity that had stripped it.

Now that they were having this conversation Dante felt suddenly nervous about telling his parents, he hadn't considered doing it next week... but should he? Sure, it would only be his father here but out of the pair he suspected his mother would accept it easier. A tough call.

"Alright then, my place. I've been meaning to cook the chicken I have in my fridge anyway," He nodded, having nothing against chicken at all, though he couldn't help but wonder what kind of dish the guy would make... so far he had enjoyed all of the meals cooked.

Though the one thing that caught Dante's complete attention was Jeremy bursting into laughter. Bingo! It had worked.... with a slight shrug he fainted ignorance even as his features displayed the truth. "What can I say... I just wanted to see you smile." He didn't lie, though now he couldn't get an image of Jeremy's body out of his mind, or pulling those boxers off him... great, at this rate he would be distracted for the rest of the day.

"Mind if I head up first? I'm a little anxious to finish this presentation." He smiled but shrugged again, "Not an issue. Good luck with the presentation." Dante didn't want to get in the way of Jeremy's work, knowing all to well that if they couldn't work together it would have a knock on affect for everything.

Giving Jeremy some time to make it up, he cleared the table before slowly heading up. He still had time so he wasn't in too much of a rush, at least until he heard an all too familiar voice. Kyle. Why did that man have to keep coming to this building anyway? As far as Dante knew there was no reason for Kyle to come here at all....

"Hey Dante. Word bro?" Word bro? Ok, that had Dante cringing as he turned around.

"What do you want Kyle?"

"Just wanna say that it's totally low having that guy fight your battles for you." Ok, that confused Dante. Last he knew he had walked out on their conversation and left it at that.

"I have no idea what you are talking about." He said honestly even as he watched Kyle huff and roll his eyes.

"Yeah, like whatever. I thought we could have at least been friends, I miss you bro! Plus, it was who did the nasty. I just called you on it." That hurt, and Dante hadn't been expecting such simple words to dig so deep. This was the man he had once loved. The man he would have given up anything to keep happy.... and why? Now that he looked at him he wasn't even sure what had originally appealed.

With a deep breath he spoke again, confidence dripping from his every word. "Look. You did me a favour. Lets part ways here and now before things get messy. I don't want to be your friend... so I am not even willing to try. Please just leave me alone." He turned then, ignoring as Kyle shouted after him. Ignoring the fast beating of his heart.

"Yo! Don't ignore me! .... Fine. Be like that you idiot! That ******** is gonna eat you alive! Don't come crying to me when he destroys you!"

After all this time he had finally let Kyle go completely... and there was only one man he could thank for that. Jeremy. He didn't care what the arsehole had to say, didn't care that his words may very be true... Dante wasn't afraid anymore. As he entered the elevator all he could do was smile.

The start of the afternoon was rather uneventful. A few people came to speak with him but there was nothing out of the ordinary. At least until Phil appeared, he looked up at the guy. "Can I help you with something Phil?" He asked, putting down his pen. The look on the guys face was what had surprised Dante the most, far gone was the usual playful smile and gestures... in its place was a cool harshness he didn't recognise.

"It's not my place to interfere...." Was all he said before he walked off. It confused Dante even more, but in the end he figured out it must have something to do with him and Jeremy. Not sure what the guys problem was he tried not to think too much about it, especially since it had been Phil who had continued to try and push them together.

What Dante didn't realise was that once Phil had left him he had gone straight to Jeremy. "I don't like it. What are you planning to do now? What the ******** are you going to do Jerry?"

Dante blinked; the rest of the day seemed to whiz passed so quickly it was almost scary. Sure, several people came to ask him something but it was all a blur now. A blur that left him feeling utterly exhausted... at least until he saw Jeremy. For some reason just seeing the guy gave him a perk of energy... what the hell was all that about?! As his steps draw to a stop he couldn't help but wonder if he was doing the right thing, one word rang in his mind... dangerous. It was almost as if he could see the perfect recipe to get his heart ripped out, and he couldn't help but remember Kyle's earlier words... was Jeremy going to eat him alive? He tightened his grip on his briefcase as he kicked his legs into action. There was no way he was going to allow himself to linger on anything that b*****d Kyle had to say! Not after everything he had put Dante through.

Due to being lost in his own world Dante never saw Phil leave or the look on his face. "How does stir fry and brown rice sound? Would be good with chicken, right?" He nodded at the question, a smile in place as he tried to push his disturbing thoughts from his mind. "Sounds like something my Mother would make." He always referred to his parents as Mother and Father, not because he didn't love them but he felt less and less attached to them these days... but it had been a long time since he had last seen them in person, next week with his father was going to be a shock. "Though I bet you won't burn the chicken." He chuckled softly.

"How was the rest of your day?" He shrugged lightly, "Busy. You?" This time he decided not to mention Phil, learning from his mistake at Lunch.... if it came up for some reason, maybe he would bring it up then, but for some reason Dante didn't want to say anything in case he got in between them. He knew they were good friends, something he was almost envious of them for. It was rare to have such a good friend stay with you after so much time, let alone work well together.

As they walked towards the station he found himself trying to keep the conversation flowing. "Did that big presentation go ok?" He asked with a smile, having already heard from Alex that they had nailed it and secured the contract on the spot. "Oh... will you let me actually attend them again now? My black eye has vanished after all." Even if his ribs still killed like a b***h the black eye had faded so that it simply looked like a touch of tiredness if you did get too closely. It was a good job he healed quickly. "I want to take the lead on the Jefferson case after all the work I put into it. Plus Barbara said she doesn't get on with the chief the company is sending and that it would be best she wasn't present." He shrugged, suddenly feeling like he was rambling. "Or something." Dante fell silent then, his eyes looking at the pavement.