Chapter Text
Dante’s body language demonstrated that he was dumbfounded by my inquiry.
Before he could even begin to talk, the waiter came by with our orders.
When looking at his smile, his lips made it look wiry.
The last thing the waiter did was pour wine into my glass,
Once they left, Dante began to confess.
“I’m going to confess… that I would love to! As
Much as I would, I am aware that I don’t deserve to be by your side.”
I hid my smirk by taking a drink of my wine, “how interesting, care to explain?”
“I have always admired your works. I consider them as a guide
When I write my own stories.” I placed my glass on the table
And did my best to keep a straight face. I felt delighted by his comment.
“I have read them on your website. It’s quite interesting how it could be interpretable
In unique ways by each reader,” I paused to create suspense, “I have
read your Inferno and I find it quite entertaining.”
He blinked a few times, as if he believed the praise was a sham.
While he was still off, pondering on his response, I took advantage of that
Time to continue speaking. “Something intriguing I read
Was that you showed your respect by calling me 'Master’ while we had a chat.
I’m aware of your intention of showing me respect, using that was an interesting route.”
Dante tapped the edge of the table and gave a nervous smile,
“I have admired you for long and without
A doubt, without your help, I wouldn’t be who I am.”
He gave an awkward smile, almost as if he was awaiting for my take on what he had said.
His shoulders were slumped and he was rubbing his hands nervously. No deep exam-
Ination was needed to know what he was saying. While pressing my lips against the rim
Of my glass I put across my reply,
“I’m glad I could’ve been such an influence on you.” Ideas began to swim
Through my head about what I could say next. Dante is
Quite an interesting fellow. He had no fear of doing what he did on
the Internet. Who knew he wasn’t a whiz
In conversing with others. I extended my hand across the table and
Waited for how he would act. Dante kept quiet
It didn’t take long for him to understand
That I was figuratively giving him permission to hold my hand.
He gave an expression of a warm feeling as he meekly placed
His hand in mine. I’m assuming this isn’t something he planned.
He looked as if he was holding back the urge to squeeze or
Strengthen the grasp. Soon enough, he slowly began to intertwine our fingers.
Dante was extremely nervous, as if he was going to explore
An unknown area. The sight of him being flustered was quite a spectacle.
A smile drew across his face after realizing he was holding my hand.
When it came to looking for a loved one, I could be very selectable.
“In all honesty, this was the last thing I expected from tonight,” he said under his breath.
I spoke up, “no one is so brave that he is disturbed by the unexpected.”
“Excuse me, was that from Julius Caesar?” Dante appeared as if he had seen death.
I nodded, of course he’d know it was THE Julius Caesar, but I’m giving him
Credit for admitting his acknowledgment. As much as I wanted to continue
Holding his hands, I wanted to eat. I did not want to feel the warmth in my hand dim
But I’m practically starving. I’m positive that Dante got the hint because soon
Enough he let go. Even still, he had a smile painted across his face.
Ah, his cheerful expression almost made me want to swoon!
The rest of the dinner went magnificently and we continued to talk between bites.
After we finished, Dante rubbed his hands together,
“I’m going to cherish that as the best of nights
I’ve been through. But I am confused about why you choose to converse
With me in person. I believe I have my email on my website.”
I cleared my throat as if I was going to say an important verse,
“If I would have sent you a letter, it would
Not have given the feelings I wanted to say, appropriately.”
Dantes said that he understood
What I was saying, “I wanted to send an email you too,
But I did not want to come off as an unhinged fanboy.”
I laughed, it was comforting knowing I was not the only one going through
That situation. We both finished our plates and I called over the waiter for the check.
From the corner of my eye I saw him fumble through his wallet.
“Hey, Dante,” it took a sec-
Ond for him to look me in the eyes. “Yes?”
(He appeared shocked after hearing me call his name).
“Don’t stress,
I’ll take care of this. I was the one who invited you in the first place.”
“At least let me leave the tip. Please?”
I never thought I’d see someone beg to pay. I’m guessing he doesn't want to a disgrace
In front of me. “Alrighty, you can.”
The waiter came by and I handed them the payment. Dante then gave them their
Tip. After gathering all of our belongings together, we began
To leave. On our way to the exit, I saw stares shoot our way, along with a whisper or two.
With a swift movement I grasped onto Dante’s hand, to show them the reason
Why I was here. It’s not like I’m purposely trying to debut
A love interest… alright maybe I am.
Dante didn’t question my action, he seemed to love it.
“Hey… Virgil, I am
Grateful for all of this, but what are we?” I kept my response until we
Were out of earshot of others. “I am genuinely enjoying this and I have great interest in you,
But I feel that we should learn more about each other.” He didn’t disagree,
Which was a great sign of what was going to come between us.
Even though it was dark out, we continued to talk. Dante brought up a question,
“I know you aren’t going to stay, how would you like to keep the contact between us?”
I cocked my head towards him, “I’ve always wanted a pen pal, but that would not
The proper word to describe it since it’s going to be you.”
He squealed, “I love that idea a lot!”
A few months passed and we kept writing to each other back
And forth. We do call each other instead sometimes.
I always make sure my responses don’t carry any slack.
I sent him an email asking when would be best for me to go visit him once more.
As soon as I sent it, he immediately sent a response.
It always looks like as if responding to me isn’t a chore
To him. “Whenever you can, it won’t affect my schedule at all!”
Knowing this make me feel more excited for a reunion
I don’t want any important moments between us to forestall.
After I decided the dates that I would be visiting him, I felt that we have been
Going along perfectly well, thinking about us hanging out together in person makes me grin.