Work Text:
When they decided to get back together, Hetty and Trevor decided to do things a bit more slowly. The first time was a bit of a chaotic mess of sneaking around and lots of sex until Nigel caught them and outed them, and they ended up breaking up.
Then, sparks started to fly again when they became Power Friends, and they realized that maybe they could give it another try.
Except this time, they wanted things to be a bit slower.
So, they took advice from the other ghosts (but mainly Sam and Jay) about going on dates, first and having them be chaste (he could just imagine his bros if he ever told them about chaste dates – they would take the piss out of him), but this is potentially for all eternity and if he’s frank, they’re lucky that the first breakup didn’t screw everything up with dynamics in the house.
So, slow is better, for now.
Except, well, now he doesn’t want to rush things. He doesn’t want to make the first move back to that.
So, he’s letting Hetty take the lead.
It’s just, well, he knows that Hetty, despite all of her growth from Alberta, Flower and Sam (especially Sam), expects the man (him) to take the lead.
So, he feels a little – trapped – how can he move things along while attempting to let Hetty take the lead?
He asks this of the men in the house, and their responses aren’t the best:
“Perhaps, you should just not go beyond chaste dates.”
“Thor think opposite. Man take control. Just kiss her.”
“Maybe talk to her? Set up a clear plan for progression in your relationship. Like a relationship guide.”
“You’re asking me? After teasing me about my Shiki tree? Nah, good luck.”
He didn’t even argue. He just let the room – HIS ROOM – disappointed.
He was so disappointed that he went to Jay.
Jay, how do you move a relationship to next stage if you’re waiting for her to make the move, but she grew up in the gilded age, and therefore, thinks the man should lead?
He presses read aloud and Jay jumps about a mile at the sudden noise.
“Damn it, Trevor! What did I tell you about making me jump with sudden texts?”
It’s not like I can warn you since this is the only way I can talk to you.
Jay huffs, unhappy. “Fine. Uh, I’m guessing this is about you and Hetty?”
Yes. Do you know any other gilded age women in this house?
“For all I know there could be a whole bunch of them.”
Fair, and yes, Hetty.
“Well, I know you’re trying to be all… chivalrous, I guess? At least from what Sam tells me because she thinks it’s hilarious.”
So, you’re not going to help me either. The guys were less than useful.
“Did I say that?” Jay asks, a tease in his voice. “No, I didn’t. I was just pointing out that I get that you’re trying, but Hetty didn’t fall for you the first time because you were chivalrous and let her take the lead, did she?”
Well, no. Not really. We kind of went from kissing to sleeping together. Why we’re dating now and taking it slow.
“Alright, well, it’s been a while. So, maybe just start with sweeter kisses, and she’ll get the hint and take over.”
Sweeter kisses?
“Hand kisses, cheek kisses, forehead kisses, nose kisses. Really, you don’t know this?”
My kissing habits are usually to get someone going. Tend to be passionate kisses.
Jay hums. “Give those sweeter kisses a try.”
Alright. Thanks.
So, he tries it.
He kisses her hand at the beginning of their next date and at the end of it, he kisses her cheek.
She seems pleased, but nothing changes as he implements that over the next few days.
No big step forward.
So, feeling playful and hoping that being a little closer to her lips would prompt something, he kisses her nose at the end of their next date.
Hetty let's out a little surprised laugh but looks pleasantly pleased and kisses his nose back before disappearing inside the mansion and leaving a Trevor a little confused.
Not exactly what he was going for, but at least she’s happy, right?
So, he supposes that’s a good sign.
So, he continues and sweet, flirty kisses. The kind that usually with him would go somewhere, but right now, apparently doesn’t.
That is until he overhears the ladies during their regular ‘meetings’.
He knows spying is wrong, but he hears his name and well, he’s curious.
“I just do not understand,” Hetty states. “The first time around it took one kiss and yet…”
“Maybe he’s waiting for you to push it to the next level,” Alberta offers.
“Except he is aware that proper ladies do not take next steps in a courtship.”
“You don’t have to answer to the man anymore, Hetty,” Flower comments. “Do what you want, you’re in control, remember?”
“Yeah, Hetty, take control!”
He doesn’t hear a response from Hetty, but apparently, she must’ve been bolstered up to go for what she wants because she comes right through the wall and straight for him.
She grabs his face as she pulls him close much like that very first kiss and he knows exactly what she wants. He doesn’t need her to break the kiss and tell him to follow her (though she does) because they’re finally on the same page.
And it’s the page that they both want to be on.