[Jeff's doing his best to make him blush, isn't he? The cunning bastard.
He chews thoughtfully on the bread, taking his time. He never puts too much food in his mouth. Doesn't speak while eating. Dinner table or conference table, his manners don't change.
Finally, after another sip of wine. Jeff really does have a wonderful smile.]
[ That's him! Cunning like a sliiiightly stoned (silver) fox. He keeps his smile lingering for a beat as he watches Cam, then returns his attention to his food, because there's so much to sample, and he's determined to try it all before the lamb gets here.
And he only trips over his response a little bit before he can form a coherent answer to Cam's question. ]
Oh-- uh, nah, not... as such... no. [ The truth is, while he doesn't get asked out by all the parents all the time, he's definitely had to fend off his share of advances. It's kind of his policy: never date the students' family members. That he's even on this date right now, with Cam, is kind of a happy accident.
He would've said no if he'd known it was a date in the first place. Because that's just... how he does things. ]
[From what Cam's heard. Musicals aren't exactly in his realm of expertise. His musical tastes lend to the popular eighties to nineties variety. He's a man of culture. That said, his profession can be boiled down to making offers people can't refuse. Bridging gaps.]
But I hope you know I would've given you the tickets either way.
[He reaches across the table to touch Jeff's hand. He doesn't leave it there, that would be too bold, but he does let his fingers linger over the other man's knuckles. Cam smiles, hand falling away to fill their glasses again, naturally. A little more liquid courage is needed.
The truth is Cam's more nervous than he lets on. He hasn't been on a date in some time, never mind the fact Jeff is his daughter's teacher.]
[ He snorts out a laugh when Cam puts it like that, a total understatement of just how hyped the world is for Hamilton. Suppose it's hard... Damn right it's hard to say no! Something tells him he's more into the musical than Cam is.
Then again, music is just. Kind of his thing. He's always excited for it. ]
Yeah, well... [ Jeff struggles for a moment to piece together what he's trying to say, get the words in his head and out his mouth without stumbling like an idiot. His eyes flicker down when Cam's fingers brush his knuckles, an odd flutter running through his heart at the touch. And though his fingers twitch a little in surprise, he doesn't move his hand away. It's not like when the odd flirty mom or bar lush strokes his hand. There's something adorably shy and uncertain, at odds with the man he'd assumed Cam was. (The Mr. Waltz of the other teachers' hushed, fearful whispers.)
It's a surprise, but a pleasant one, because he likes this version of Cam a helluva lot more than the stern, quietly dominating man he'd taken him to be. ] I'm glad I didn't take the tickets and run. This is more fun. For me, and, uh, I hope...
[ You. YOU KNOW?
As to the question, uh. That takes him a moment. Jeff finally moves his hand, to scratch the back of his neck, at the hairline. ]
Ahh... Not... actively? I don't really put myself out there, if we're being honest. Between work and Mel-- Melody. My daughter. [ Wait, Cam already knows about Mel. WHAT AN UNNECESSARY EXPLANATION. At least he looks chagrined. ] Who you know about! So I don't know why I mentioned that!
[ HA HA. HA. Here, maybe he can put on a charming smile and salvage. ]
Not at all. Well, maybe a little. That's what the wine is for.
[There's something to be said for a little rust. Jeff's honesty, and subsequent awkwardness, are refreshing in comparison to the last handful of dates Cam's been subjected to. High-powered men with too much money and not enough class, all too aware of their own importance, all using the same lines, all looking for the same thing, and so certain they'll get it Cam can't help but take pleasure in denying them, even if he ends the night the same way he started. Alone.
He's got a reputation among the elite, gay Gifted community. Too often it feels like people are more interested in chasing the Cameron Waltz rumours than Cameron Waltz himself.
Maybe he is hard to get, and his tastes are too specific, and his standards too high, but he's forty-three, and if he's going to bring a man into his life, into his daughter's life, he'd rather have his standards set too high than too low.]
Between work and JJ, I don't have much time to fool around. As in, I'm not interested in 'keeping things casual'. I'm too busy for casual. I invest my time. I don't spend it frivolously.
Not to say I'm not enjoying myself, or that this would be a waste of time if this is our first and last date. I've enjoyed getting to know you, and I feel more confident with JJ in your hands.
[Now who's rusty? This is a date, not a statement of terms.
He rubs the back of his neck, inhales his wine, and is silently grateful when their server appears in the nick of time with their dinner. It's an artfully plated lamb-shank sitting atop a mound of braised vegetables and couscous upon a large, single platter. For sharing.
Cam shifts closer to Jeff, setting his napkin over his lap, feeling very conscious of the other man's shoulders.]
So, you can eat this on its own, or pair it with the breads and other dishes and get creative with it. But you need to try it with the mint.
[ His expression, while still pleasant, definitely shifts to one of mild bemusement when Cam starts to lay his terms out, so to speak. It's not that he's out of line, or that Jeff disagrees with the sentiment. Honestly, his own reasoning for being as rusty as he is, is pretty much identical: casual doesn't fly when you've got a kid to consider.
But it's a funny little reminder that, yes, this is in fact the same man who makes him so anxious that he has to do a hit before meeting Mr. Waltz for dinner.
At least the twinge of "deer-in-headlights" fades the more Cam descends into rambling. Ha. Now they're on equal footing. Jeff doesn't say anything just yet, but there's an amused spark in his eyes as he takes a drink and lets out an agreeable mmhm. Hopefully Cam doesn't take that as Jeff laughing at him in some way.
But now the lamb's here, and god, it looks like a feast. If he thought the bread was good, then this... is probably going to be transcend-fucking-ental. The smell of the spices alone...
The only thing that pulls his attention away from the lamb is the way Cam shifts closer to him, their shoulders nearly touching from the sudden closer proximity. It's impossible not to be mindful of the heat of another person beside him, or the smell of his cologne, spicy and a little smokey. Jeff's not sure if he finds it particularly tempting on Cam, or if he wants a bottle of the stuff for himself.
At the enthusiastic tutorial-- HOW TO EAT DELICIOUS TUNISIAN LAMB-- Jeff breathes out a short laugh through his nose, a sidelong look at Cam as he reaches for some bread to pile the lamb on.
The next words that come out of his mouth are completely the product of weed and wine driven impulse. ]
[He nearly chokes on a piece of lamb when Jeff says the word 'cute'. His eyes go large and wide, brow shooting up, and he has to fight just to swallow the meat down.
As soon as he's won that battle, he sits up and back, looking at Jeff with a disbelief that borders on suspicion.]
No. I can't say anyone has. That's-
[Cam wants to say absurd, but he can't. His face is too red already. Heat rising up from his throat and into his cheeks.
He takes another long drink of wine. Jeff Callhoun may be the first man to leave Cameron Waltz speechless.]
[ That's more of a reaction than Jeff would've expected, though he supposes it shouldn't be too surprising, considering the image Cam seems to present to the world. But, considering how different he is here, on this surprise date... Come on, Jeff can't possibly be the first guy to say it!
Knowing this, though, leaves him feeling a little more confident, sure of himself, than he usually is on a date. So he takes another drink of wine, smirking around the lip of the glass, before he sets it back down. ]
That's a shame.
[ AND SO DINNER CONTINUED, AND THEN THEY HEADED BACK TO THE THEATRE FOR HAMILTON. IT WAS EVERYTHING JEFF HEARD IT WAS. HE DUG IT, EVEN IF HE FOUND SOME OF THE FLOW TO BE A TIIIINY BIT STILTED, BUT WHAT DOES HE KNOW, HE'S A MIDDLE AGED WHITE DUDE.
Anyway.
Cut to: the walk back to the cars. Well, car. Cam's car. After the usual idle chatter about the show is over with, there's a companionable silence, which he breaks with: ]
Can I let you in on a secret? [ A BEAT. ] I never gave much of a shit about the Founding Fathers before.
[Dinner was delicious. Hamilton was... Hamilton. Cam was more interested in watching Jeff watch the musical than watching the musical itself.
It's a quiet, comfortable ten minute walk back to the car, and Cam can't help but wish it was longer. The night air is perfect. There's a slight breeze. Just enough to rustle coats and move leaves. He and Jeff share almost the same stride, which is something he likes. Someone who can keep up with him.
Cam's just a little faster. He can't help himself.]
I'm appalled. Can I let you in on a secret?
[A pause, glancing over to Jeff from over the collar of his Burberry trench.]
JJ told me you wanted to see Hamilton. That's why I bought the tickets. Theatre isn't really my forte.
To tell you the truth, American history doesn't interest me in the slightest. I'd rather learn about anywhere but here. That's why I like to travel. I always appreciate this country more when I'm somewhere else, and remember just how good we have it.
[Speaking of the first world, they're coming up on Cam's car, which he paid top dollar to park only a couple blocks away from the theatre. It's a black Porsche Mission E, new as of last year. The model isn't available for public sale yet. Cam was on a list.
He pulls his keys from his pocket, hitting the start button. The Porsche comes alive with a soft purr, the lights turning on and doors unlocking to reveal the cognac leather classic interior. Custom.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
text | phone call | action | prose | etc
no subject
[Jeff's doing his best to make him blush, isn't he? The cunning bastard.
He chews thoughtfully on the bread, taking his time. He never puts too much food in his mouth. Doesn't speak while eating. Dinner table or conference table, his manners don't change.
Finally, after another sip of wine. Jeff really does have a wonderful smile.]
Am I the first that asked you out?
no subject
And he only trips over his response a little bit before he can form a coherent answer to Cam's question. ]
Oh-- uh, nah, not... as such... no. [ The truth is, while he doesn't get asked out by all the parents all the time, he's definitely had to fend off his share of advances. It's kind of his policy: never date the students' family members. That he's even on this date right now, with Cam, is kind of a happy accident.
He would've said no if he'd known it was a date in the first place. Because that's just... how he does things. ]
Just the first one I said yes to!
[ SAVED. ]
no subject
[From what Cam's heard. Musicals aren't exactly in his realm of expertise. His musical tastes lend to the popular eighties to nineties variety. He's a man of culture. That said, his profession can be boiled down to making offers people can't refuse. Bridging gaps.]
But I hope you know I would've given you the tickets either way.
[He reaches across the table to touch Jeff's hand. He doesn't leave it there, that would be too bold, but he does let his fingers linger over the other man's knuckles. Cam smiles, hand falling away to fill their glasses again, naturally. A little more liquid courage is needed.
The truth is Cam's more nervous than he lets on. He hasn't been on a date in some time, never mind the fact Jeff is his daughter's teacher.]
Are you... currently looking?
no subject
Then again, music is just. Kind of his thing. He's always excited for it. ]
Yeah, well... [ Jeff struggles for a moment to piece together what he's trying to say, get the words in his head and out his mouth without stumbling like an idiot. His eyes flicker down when Cam's fingers brush his knuckles, an odd flutter running through his heart at the touch. And though his fingers twitch a little in surprise, he doesn't move his hand away. It's not like when the odd flirty mom or bar lush strokes his hand. There's something adorably shy and uncertain, at odds with the man he'd assumed Cam was. (The Mr. Waltz of the other teachers' hushed, fearful whispers.)
It's a surprise, but a pleasant one, because he likes this version of Cam a helluva lot more than the stern, quietly dominating man he'd taken him to be. ] I'm glad I didn't take the tickets and run. This is more fun. For me, and, uh, I hope...
[ You. YOU KNOW?
As to the question, uh. That takes him a moment. Jeff finally moves his hand, to scratch the back of his neck, at the hairline. ]
Ahh... Not... actively? I don't really put myself out there, if we're being honest. Between work and Mel-- Melody. My daughter. [ Wait, Cam already knows about Mel. WHAT AN UNNECESSARY EXPLANATION. At least he looks chagrined. ] Who you know about! So I don't know why I mentioned that!
[ HA HA. HA. Here, maybe he can put on a charming smile and salvage. ]
I might be a little rusty, can you tell?
no subject
[There's something to be said for a little rust. Jeff's honesty, and subsequent awkwardness, are refreshing in comparison to the last handful of dates Cam's been subjected to. High-powered men with too much money and not enough class, all too aware of their own importance, all using the same lines, all looking for the same thing, and so certain they'll get it Cam can't help but take pleasure in denying them, even if he ends the night the same way he started. Alone.
He's got a reputation among the elite, gay Gifted community. Too often it feels like people are more interested in chasing the Cameron Waltz rumours than Cameron Waltz himself.
Maybe he is hard to get, and his tastes are too specific, and his standards too high, but he's forty-three, and if he's going to bring a man into his life, into his daughter's life, he'd rather have his standards set too high than too low.]
Between work and JJ, I don't have much time to fool around. As in, I'm not interested in 'keeping things casual'. I'm too busy for casual. I invest my time. I don't spend it frivolously.
Not to say I'm not enjoying myself, or that this would be a waste of time if this is our first and last date. I've enjoyed getting to know you, and I feel more confident with JJ in your hands.
[Now who's rusty? This is a date, not a statement of terms.
He rubs the back of his neck, inhales his wine, and is silently grateful when their server appears in the nick of time with their dinner. It's an artfully plated lamb-shank sitting atop a mound of braised vegetables and couscous upon a large, single platter. For sharing.
Cam shifts closer to Jeff, setting his napkin over his lap, feeling very conscious of the other man's shoulders.]
So, you can eat this on its own, or pair it with the breads and other dishes and get creative with it. But you need to try it with the mint.
no subject
But it's a funny little reminder that, yes, this is in fact the same man who makes him so anxious that he has to do a hit before meeting Mr. Waltz for dinner.
At least the twinge of "deer-in-headlights" fades the more Cam descends into rambling. Ha. Now they're on equal footing. Jeff doesn't say anything just yet, but there's an amused spark in his eyes as he takes a drink and lets out an agreeable mmhm. Hopefully Cam doesn't take that as Jeff laughing at him in some way.
But now the lamb's here, and god, it looks like a feast. If he thought the bread was good, then this... is probably going to be transcend-fucking-ental. The smell of the spices alone...
The only thing that pulls his attention away from the lamb is the way Cam shifts closer to him, their shoulders nearly touching from the sudden closer proximity. It's impossible not to be mindful of the heat of another person beside him, or the smell of his cologne, spicy and a little smokey. Jeff's not sure if he finds it particularly tempting on Cam, or if he wants a bottle of the stuff for himself.
At the enthusiastic tutorial-- HOW TO EAT DELICIOUS TUNISIAN LAMB-- Jeff breathes out a short laugh through his nose, a sidelong look at Cam as he reaches for some bread to pile the lamb on.
The next words that come out of his mouth are completely the product of weed and wine driven impulse. ]
Anyone ever tell you you're cute?
no subject
As soon as he's won that battle, he sits up and back, looking at Jeff with a disbelief that borders on suspicion.]
No. I can't say anyone has. That's-
[Cam wants to say absurd, but he can't. His face is too red already. Heat rising up from his throat and into his cheeks.
He takes another long drink of wine. Jeff Callhoun may be the first man to leave Cameron Waltz speechless.]
no subject
Knowing this, though, leaves him feeling a little more confident, sure of himself, than he usually is on a date. So he takes another drink of wine, smirking around the lip of the glass, before he sets it back down. ]
That's a shame.
[ AND SO DINNER CONTINUED, AND THEN THEY HEADED BACK TO THE THEATRE FOR HAMILTON. IT WAS EVERYTHING JEFF HEARD IT WAS. HE DUG IT, EVEN IF HE FOUND SOME OF THE FLOW TO BE A TIIIINY BIT STILTED, BUT WHAT DOES HE KNOW, HE'S A MIDDLE AGED WHITE DUDE.
Anyway.
Cut to: the walk back to the cars. Well, car. Cam's car. After the usual idle chatter about the show is over with, there's a companionable silence, which he breaks with: ]
Can I let you in on a secret? [ A BEAT. ] I never gave much of a shit about the Founding Fathers before.
[ BAD TEACHER. BAD. ]
no subject
It's a quiet, comfortable ten minute walk back to the car, and Cam can't help but wish it was longer. The night air is perfect. There's a slight breeze. Just enough to rustle coats and move leaves. He and Jeff share almost the same stride, which is something he likes. Someone who can keep up with him.
Cam's just a little faster. He can't help himself.]
I'm appalled. Can I let you in on a secret?
[A pause, glancing over to Jeff from over the collar of his Burberry trench.]
JJ told me you wanted to see Hamilton. That's why I bought the tickets. Theatre isn't really my forte.
To tell you the truth, American history doesn't interest me in the slightest. I'd rather learn about anywhere but here. That's why I like to travel. I always appreciate this country more when I'm somewhere else, and remember just how good we have it.
[Speaking of the first world, they're coming up on Cam's car, which he paid top dollar to park only a couple blocks away from the theatre. It's a black Porsche Mission E, new as of last year. The model isn't available for public sale yet. Cam was on a list.
He pulls his keys from his pocket, hitting the start button. The Porsche comes alive with a soft purr, the lights turning on and doors unlocking to reveal the cognac leather classic interior. Custom.]
Where are you parked?