"Master George!" David shouted as he ran into their room, clearly having just picked up his check from Xena since he was sliding it into his wallet, then slid the wallet into his back pocket.

George looked up from where he knelt on the floor, finishing tying his shoe. David appeared to nearly have a heart attack at the sight of him in a suit with fancy shoes and a tie. He definitely drooled, too, but at least he managed to swallow it before making a fool of himself again. He'd already drooled three times in the past two days, though George wasn't counting the five times in the shower when he'd washed him two nights ago. He could also see in the guy's eyes that he was thinking something disturbing.

"You're turning red. So either you're naked and embarrassed that I'm staring and not touching, which is clearly not correct, or you're thinking about something incredibly perverted."

David held up two fingers and George nodded, figuring that he meant the second option he'd given. George then stood and brushed his suit off slightly. He then walked over and grabbed David's hand, pulling him out the door. "Where are we going, Master?" David asked as they left the club and slid into George's car. He wanted to argue that he didn't like being called anyone's master, but he kept his mouth shut.

It was a little cold outside and since he hadn't given David a chance to change, he reached into the back seat and grabbed the coat he left there. When he handed it over to David and he put it, George nearly starting laughing. It swallowed the guy, but judging from the content smile on his face as he snuggled into it, he knew that he appreciated the gesture. Or he was thinking about doing something weird to the poor coat later.

I need to remember to make him leave it in here when we come back.

Still ignoring the previous question about where they were going, he drove for several silent minutes before pulling into a crowded parking space. Then he unbuckled his seatbelt and waited.

"Um, are you sure this is where you meant to take me?" David asked hesitantly. "A-are you trying to give me to someone else? I'm not that annoying, right?" He questioned, worry suddenly making his voice a little higher.

Damn people and their overthinking and emotions.

"Just get out, David." George grumbled as he shoved his door open and climbed out, then stalked around the other side and, since David wasn't fast enough, opened the door and tugged him out. He already had a headache brewing, and they weren't even inside the building yet.

Why am I doing this again? George asked himself as he stomped inside, dragging David by his collar until they were sitting at a table. He had noticed that the place served food when he'd pulled David out of it last time.

Glancing at the small menu, he chose a couple things he was interested in, then looked up to see David still standing beside the table, clearly confused considering the wide-eyed look on his face.

"Sit." George grumbled. David did, but he didn't really look at the menu.

Is he broken or something? Come on! I'm trying here! It's a BDSM place and I'm taking you out!

That's what he'd want, right? Why wasn't he looking at the menu? Looking down at his own, he noticed that there wasn't a whole lot besides the basic bar food on it, but that should be okay, right? Food was food as long as it didn't taste like dog turds.

"Um, George?" David mumbled just loud enough to be heard over the music, which was thankfully playing as background noise until later in the night.

George glanced up at him, raising his eyebrows in question.

"Are you okay? Your face is really pale and you're fidgeting with the menu a lot."

I don't get pale and I'm not fidgeting. He grunted in his mind, but then looked down to see his fingers playing with the frayed edges of the tiny laminated menu.

"Come on, Master." David said, suddenly standing beside George and offering him a hand up. Reluctantly, George took it and let himself be pulled from the booth. When they got back to the car, David actually rushed in front of him, taking his seat behind the wheel when the car was unlocked with the fob.

No one drives this ape's car... He thought, about ready to toss the guy out and take his appropriate seat. However, when David looked up at him, sticking his lower lip out slightly and giving him the biggest puppy eyes he'd ever seen, he ground his teeth and walked to the other side of the car. Once they were both in and buckled up, he glared daggers at David, but let the guy take the keys and get them on the road.

His patience was dwindling as the minutes passed, which was visibly clear as he flexed his hands on his knees, gripping and relaxing as if they were a stress ball. A really shitty stress ball.

"We're here, Master." David said with a light tone to his voice as he hurried to hand George his keys back, then step out. George pocketed his keys and locked the car after getting out. Looking up, he frowned, not necessarily upset about their destination, but surprised.

"Is this okay?" David asked hesitantly as he hunched into the huge coat he still wore. With a shrug, George nodded and followed him inside once David smiled. A hostess met them right away, leading them to a table in the tiny Mexican restaurant and taking their drink orders.

David looked much more relaxed as he began looking over the large menu. It was actually pretty daunting. Five pages full of just meal options. Then there was another full page of appetizers and then a another of specialty drinks. The longer he looked, the more stressed David seemed to get.

"Hey guys, are you ready to order yet or do you need a few more minutes?" Their waitress said, drawing their attention to her. George glanced over at David, who had jerked his head back down and now scanned the menu worriedly. He was clearly trying to find something, though he hadn't even gotten to the last page of entrees yet.

"Yes. I'll have number four, but with extra jalapenos and tomatoes." He paused for a moment, staring at David for a moment before licking his lips and awkwardly adding. "And he'll have, um, number fifteen with sour cream on the side. Also, we'd like an order of chips and quesso dip please."

The woman smiled and nodded, taking their menus before walking off. George watched her go, then turned to see David quickly look down at his lap. He hadn't looked away fast enough, however, to hide the bright blush warming his cheeks. Nor the relieved smile. Unsure of what to really do, George looked around the little restaurant for a few minutes before their chips and dip came. He ate a few, watching as David eyed the cheese dip cautiously. George already knew that he wasn't a big fan of cheese, or really most dairy, unless it was used in pasta dishes... and only if he was the one who cooked them.

Fidgeting slightly, George darted his eyes around the busy, yet quiet restaurant and took a chip, dipped it into the gooey melted cheese, then looked over at David.

"Open your mouth."

Shocked by the sudden order, David automatically did as told. George set the chip in his mouth and watched as David closed his mouth and chewed. At first he frowned, obviously thinking that the cheese would taste bad, but when his brows shot up and he swallowed, then licked his lips, George smirked.

"That was surprisingly good." David mumbled, reaching for a chip and dipping it before eating it.

"This is the best Mexican restaurant in the city for a reason." George said, almost sounding like he was gloating. It was his favorite, after all. He narrowed his eyes slightly as he watched David eat another chip. Darn, the idiot knew I liked this place. He probably heard me talking about it when Orion asked for a good Mexican place he could take Zachary to.

"Have you been coming here long?" He asked as he nibbled at another chip. George nodded, taking a few chips and dipping them in cheese as David spoke again.

"I've lived in this town for a long while and never really thought to go in here. It just seemed like it would be one of those dirty diner places."

George rolled his eyes and swallowed his food before responding. "Some places around here are, but this one is gold."

David smiled and gave a light shrug. "True. Never know till you give it a shot."

George nodded, leaning back slightly when their food came. The place was tiny, but the portions were gigantic and didn't cost you an arm and a leg. He'd gotten chicken tacos with seasoned rice and black beans, while he'd ordered a taco salad for David, since he'd noticed the guy always tries to sneak in a salad at some point during his day, and he hadn't noticed him do so yet before or during work.

"Mm, looks great." David said as he dipped his fork in the sour cream, getting just enough to add flavor, before spearing seasoned black and pinto beans, some greens, corn, and tomato. It was a vegetarian dish, but if he wanted any chicken George would gladly share his.

They ate in silence until content, then picked at their food until David finally spoke.

"Thank you for taking me out tonight," he said with a smile. George grunted quietly, chewing a bite of food. He glanced up at David after swallowing, then reached over and wiped his thumb along the man's lower lip, removing a small bit of sour cream before putting his thumb into his own mouth. When he looked back at David after removing the sour cream from his finger, he couldn't help but snicker. The guy was bright red!

He wanted to pick at him for the blush, but since they were both basically done with their food, the waitress came over and put the bill on the table. George checked it, then tossed some money on the table before getting up and pulling David out of the restaurant. He felt a bit bad that they hadn't talked much, or really interacted on the date in general, but he really wasn't used to interactions in general yet. When they got to his car, he turned on David, grabbing his arms.

"What else do you want to do?"

David frowned, giving him a confused look before an idea seemed to flicker in his eyes. He held out his hand and gave a hopeful smile, making George roll his eyes but hand over the keys. David drove them to a small mini mart just down the street, running inside and grabbing a pint of ice cream and some plastic spoons before returning and driving back home.

George had a feeling that the ice cream wouldn't be going directly into either of their mouths as he was guided through the club and back to their room. Once inside he watched David go into the bathroom, but when he didn't come out and the sound of water hit his ears, George walked in. Instead of starting the shower, however, he plugged the drain after setting the ice cream and spoons aside. Once the tub was filling, he turned, a bit startled to see George, but didn't waste time as he stepped up to him.

Oh boy, he looks like a kid about to beg for some candy.

Feeling himself twitch slightly in his pants, George looked sideways at the sink for a moment, then back to David's eager eyes.

"Master George, can I clean you again? Please?"

Again? I don't really want to wash until tomorrow morning...

He was just opening his mouth to tell David that, and that they should go eat the ice cream in bed or something like that, when his mind decided to change the words that came out.

"Take your clothes off."

David blinked, looking a little surprised. He snapped out of it quickly though, and hurried to get out of his clothing. He stood naked in front of George not a minute later. His shoulders were back, head held high and chest out. Proud, even with more than half of his body covered in scars.

You should be proud, David. George thought as he reached over and settled his fingers beneath David's chin, then lifted it so that he could easily kiss him. It was hardly ever a French kiss, as he wasn't a fan of using his tongue yet since he knew he rather sucked at basic kissing. At least he didn't accidentally bite David right then, like he had his first few tries.

When they separated, he pointed to the bathtub. "Get in and turn off the water."

While David hurried to do as told, George tugged off his suit jacket and undershirt, then knelt next to the bathtub. He knew what he should do to make David happy. Touch him. Love on him like a puppy. Hurt him to a point... but that particular part wouldn't happen for a very long time, if ever. And that's when it hit him as he sat on his heels, looking at the man's worried yet excited face.

He wants me to be his lover and I can barely touch him after weeks.

Heaving an exhausted sigh, he grabbed the edge of the bathtub and dropped his forehead to the cool porcelain. He was overwhelmed with the simplest things. It was embarrassing and frustrating. No doubt David was likely frustrated with him, too, after going from sex likely every night to barely touching at all. Of course he didn't beat the guy, but maybe he would have been happier with Domino in the long run.

"George..."

Sniffling, he looked up, propping his chin on the edge of the tub. He couldn't quite see David for some reason, though. He blinked a few times, getting his vision cleared a little bit, but it didn't help nearly as much as when David swiped his thumbs gently beneath his eyes.

"It's okay." He whispered with a sad smile.

George huffed quietly, rolling his eyes, a bit annoyed that they felt like they were tingling or burning slightly. David licked his lips, then chuckled a little as he suddenly reached forward, grabbing him beneath his arms and yanked him forward, hard. George flailed into the tub, splashing some of the water out as he went under. He hurried to kick his shoes off, as to not damage them by getting them wet, then got himself turned around enough to sit up. He could easily hear David's laughter as he spit out a mouthful of water and rubbed it from his eyes, grumbling a few choice words.

When his vision was just about clear again he felt a cold glop of something drop onto his head. It didn't take a PHD, or even a high school diploma to realize that David had just dumped the partially-melted ice cream onto his head.

"You did not just do that." George stated in a monotone voice that held absolutely not emotion.

"I believe I did. I think chocolate looks good on you, honestly." He said, winking as he began to lick the liquid remains in the container. George watched him for a moment as he felt the ice cream drip down his cheeks and onto his pants. He'd have to get them dry cleaned. He'd also have to scrub his hair a good amount to get the sticky dessert out of it.

With a very slight grin, he lunged forward abruptly and grabbed the paper bucket. Before David could react he shoved it down over the guys head, pushing a bit hard and twisting it to make sure the remained of the gooey treat was worked into his styled hair. When David finally managed to remove the bucket and toss it out of reach near the , George couldn't help but burst out laughing. David was blushing badly, but he had a glint in his eyes that made George hesitate in his laughter.

"It's on." The blond-turned-chocolate-brunette said as he promptly tackled George beneath the water, splashing a good amount out as they both went under for a moment. George shoved David aside as he surfaced, scowling as he lunged for the guy as he came up for air. There wasn't a whole lot of room for both of them, which made grabbing the annoying twink easier, but he was also naked, making his body frustratingly slippery.

"Hold still you little bastard!" George growled, panting has he reached for David again. He managed to get him under again, but then the guy slipped away, of course. They'd been trying to dunk each other for the past ten minutes or so, and so far, regrettably, David was winning. But it was strictly because George still had his pants on so David had something to hold onto that couldn't slip out of his grasp!

"Aw, babe. I've got something I'll gladly let you grab." David cooed, making George blush and grumble. There was barely a few inches of water left in the bath, as most of it was now on the tile floor. No doubt Xena would kill him if he didn't remember to clean it all up, but right then George just didn't give a damn.

Instead, he darted forward, finally getting a firm hold on David around his chest... only for his knees to slip out from under him. His weight dropped onto David, pinning the man beneath him. He hurried to remove his arms and his weight, but when he tried to push himself up, David reached around his neck and gently coaxed him back down. There was nowhere near enough water to worry about him going under it, so he hesitantly allowed himself to settle back down.

David's hands slowly moved up to his short hair. It had grown slightly, but was just barely enough to run his fingers along.

"Hey," David finally whispered after a few moments of silence.

Not sure what to do, George repeated the word and looked away at the white of the tub. David's fingers slowly moved from his hair to gently press against his head, eventually getting George to rest it down against his warm chest. It was such an awkward circumstance they were in at that moment, but somehow George found himself relaxing as he sighed out a tired breath. David's fingers hadn't stopped stroking his short hair after he settled down, and George didn't want them to stop.

Soon he felt soft kisses press against the top of his head and his right cheek. Each movement made some of the muscles beneath his left cheek tense and flex. Over the next several minutes the kisses grew in frequency, then the whispers came. They were sweet nothings, but each one made George's normally cold heart beat a little faster.

"Hey George?" David asked quietly, his face appearing in George's line of sight.

Blinking as he yawned, George pushed himself up in the cold water and rubbed at his eyes.

"You dozed off for a few minutes," David said with a content smile on his face.

I had?

"Oh," George mumbled as he got himself to his feet and started the shower. David joined him, looking quite exhausted himself. They both rinsed off quickly, then George removed his clothing and dried himself as David did the same. After cleaning the floor they fell into bed, David on his side and George on the other. When David gave a big yawn and stretched his arms over his head, however, George reached over and tugged him up against his chest.

There was no argument or an awkward statement pointing out that they were both naked, having forgotten to put on even boxers. The only thing that was said before they both passed out was a whispered grumble from George about getting more ice cream the next day.