"I don't think that's possible," Joaquin smiles. He points at the bar. "Buy me a drink?" "Yeah, sure." The drinks are free, of course, but everything at after-parties is free. It's why people go to them. They head to the bar, ignoring the speculative -- and sometimes envious -- looks thrown their way. They're both used to it. "Film was good," Josh says, after flagging down a bartender and ordering two Jamesons, neat. He leans back against the bar, casts a glance in Joaquin's direction. "Your sister know that your date looks just like her?" "That's low, Josh, even for you." "If it wasn't so obvious, I wouldn't have said anything," Josh grins. "Why're you here?" Joaquin asks. He passes Josh his glass, the tips of their fingers brushing together. "Really." "See you." Josh shrugs. "Heard a rumor you missed me." "Did you? From whom?" "Summer." "Told you I was pining away for you, did she?" Josh squints down at his glass for a moment before shrugging again and tossing the whiskey back in one quick swallow. "Yeah. Are you?" Joaquin smiles. "I think we both know the answer to that." "Yeah, I think we do." Twin dimples peek out when Josh smiles, low and warm. Everyone at the party, including Joaquin's date, fades away. "Your place or mine?" Joaquin refuses to simply jump at the offer. Not this time. "What's the offer?" he asks, studying Josh through lowered lashes as he twists his silver thumb ring in an uncalculated, nervous gesture. "I want more of what you used to give up to me whenever we were together," Josh murmurs. "Remember how sweet you used to beg?" Just the opening Joaquin'd been seeking. He grabs Josh's tie, pulls him close in one smooth movement, heat flickering between them. "By the time I'm done," he promises, lips brushing Josh's jaw, "it'll be you begging for me."
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