John

[fawnthefae]

He had found his mortal kin. He hadn't even known he might have mortal kin, but when Fawn had wandered into the building with the enticing music and cheap chicken wings, he had been struck by the sight of mortals who felt like his own. They wore little clothing and spun elegantly on tall polls, coaxing coin from the fools who got too near.

Kin. They were kin.

He sat and ate wings as he watched them work, until one finally came over to say hello. She was very tall and mostly muscle, but soft in places men often liked. Her eyes were hazel and her smile sweet, and she smiled as she sat across from him.

"You are really here for the food, huh?" she smiled. "You know the wings across the street are better, sweetheart."

"I came for food, I stayed to watch the sirens work. You are all talented, many will go home broke tonight," Fawn assured her, prompting her to laugh again.

"I like you," she grinned.

"Thank you," Fawn smiled. "I like how you all dance. I would like to learn."

The woman laughed again, then nodded, tossing her ginger hair back behind her shoulders. "Well, we don't have boys in dancing here, I'm afraid, but I do know someone who'd looking for guys. He'd love you. Catch is, he'd want you to be good on a pole before he took you on. You'd have to find lessons... Or do what I did. Get a pole and watch a lot of videos."

They talked for a while, and when Fawn left, he felt renewed. Inspired. He had found his new art.

Walking into the flat, he dropped his coat and announced, "I require a pole for dancing, and access to a tube for mortal videos. A you-tube, they call it."

Comments

[fawnthefae]

"Hex. He is a healer. We had cider," Fawn said cheerfully.

[petty_dabbler]

If there was another man with that ridiculous name who knew about faeries in London, John would love to meet him.

"I just bet," he said. "What else did he teach you?"

[fawnthefae]

"He has offered to teach me to read, but I do not know if I will accept," Fawn shrugged.

[petty_dabbler]

"You should learn how to read," John nodded, though he wasn't going to encourage doing it with Hex. There were apps or something, he was sure.

[fawnthefae]

"It's hard though," Fawn sighed. "I don't know. I know some words..."

[petty_dabbler]

"Want to make a deal? Not a magic deal. A mortal deal. If you learn to read, I'll take you to a fancy restaurant without pictures on the menu," John baited.

[fawnthefae]

Fawn slumped in his seat, stabbing his fork into his food.

"I will consider it," was all he'd agree to.

[petty_dabbler]

"You don't want to do it, do you?" John asked gently.

[fawnthefae]

"It's hard," Fawn said quietly.

[petty_dabbler]

"Learning is hard," he nodded. "But once you know it, it's yours. No one can ever take your knowledge away. Consider that."

[fawnthefae]

"I said I will think about it," Fawn huffed, putting down his fork.

[petty_dabbler]

"Alright. What do you think about the food?" he asked as he popped another bite in his mouth.

[fawnthefae]

"It is good, but I am full now," Fawn said, still pouting just a bit.

[petty_dabbler]

John was feeling the same, but he'd devoured half again as much as Fawn.

"I'll put it all away if you want to get ready for bed, " he offered.

[fawnthefae]

Fawn nodded, but still seemed a bit huffy as he wandered off to the bedroom.

[petty_dabbler]

John cleaned it all up before heading in to find Fawn.

"You're in a mood now. What did I say?" John asked as he smoked his regularly scheduled after dinner cig.

[fawnthefae]

"You want me to read," Fawn sulked, dressed now in his sleeping tunic, since mortals were so hung up on dressing for bed. "What if I am not able? What if I am dumb?"

[petty_dabbler]

"Oh, love, you're not dumb," John said, moving to him to hold him lightly. "You are clever, and you're creative. If you can remember an aubergine is a cock, you'll easily be able to learn. But if you never learn to read, you've got me. I'll read for you."

[fawnthefae]

Fawn was still pouting, but he seemed to relax a little.

"Okay," he said quietly.

[petty_dabbler]

"Okay?" John asked, catching Fawn's chin so he could hold him still for a soft kiss. "It's okay."

[fawnthefae]

Fawn returned the kiss, then slipped his arms around John and held on.

"I am sorry I got upset," he said softly.

[petty_dabbler]

"It's nothing to be sorry for, love," John said. 'it's normal to have feelings. I do it, too."

[fawnthefae]

"I am still sorry," Fawn assured him, holding on a little tighter.

[petty_dabbler]

John pulled him tight to him and gently rubbed his back. He wasn't exactly the most comforting bloke, but Fawn brought out a tenderness he hadn't felt in himself since...

He didn't want to think of since when.

"Want to just watch telly? We don't have to have sex if you don't feel good," he offered.

[fawnthefae]

"Could we just lay together?" Fawn asked softly.