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Okay, Asa, stay cool and composed, you can do this.
"Derek, I’m heading out for lunch; I might be a little late."
The older bookseller raised an eyebrow.
"You mean because you’re taking lunch to Professor Hottie?"
Farewell, coolness and composure.
He had no reason to be ashamed, so he said firmly, "Yes, that's why."
Ignoring Derek’s amused snicker, he grabbed the bag he’d packed for Anthony and walked out of the bookshop.
About twenty minutes later, he entered the campus and, five minutes after that, arrived at the front desk. There, he was greeted by a smiling secretary whose name tag read 'Ms. Tracy.'
"Um, hello. Could you tell me where I might find Professor Anthony Crowley? He’s a—"
"Oh, yes, the new professor of astrophysics. Are you a student or a parent?"
"Neither. I’m…"
Asa hesitated because he realized that he and Anthony hadn’t really discussed their relationship. So he settled on something neutral.
"...a friend."
He must have taken too long to answer because Ms. Tracy gave him a strange look, as if she knew something. But anyway, since she gave him directions to Anthony’s classroom, he didn’t dwell on it.
Five minutes later, he was in the hallway just before the one with Anthony’s classroom. He quickened his pace because students were starting to come out of their classrooms for the lunch break, filling up the hallways.
"What teachers do you have this afternoon?"
"Adam and I have a class with Professor Crowley."
Upon hearing his lover’s name, Asa looked up at the group of students in front of him and listened intently.
One of the students had his hair in a loose bun and wrapped an arm around the neck of the guy walking beside him. He said playfully, "I’m going to try not to be jealous that my boyfriend is making eyes at his idol."
"Pff, idiot!"
A third member of the group turned around and walked backward, pointing at the boyfriend in question. "Aw, J, it’s true that you’ve been telling us about Professor Crowley and his book for years!"
If only Anthony could have heard that! Asa’s heart swelled with pride for his lover.
His fan, J, said softly, "Muriel and you all know that's not it. I’ve already told you why I admire him. And you, Adam..." He patted his boyfriend's shoulder. "You have nothing to worry about. He's way tooooo old."
Asa had to hold back a laugh.
Adam, the one with the bun, kissed his boyfriend on the temple and said kindly, "I know, babe. It's just that we like to tease you about it. We know he and his book helped you when you almost didn’t make it." His voice trailed off on the last few words, but Asa could still make them out.
The fourth member of their group, who was walking ahead of them, took Muriel’s hand and added, "And for that, we love Professor Crowley, too."
The J in question sped up, took his boyfriend’s hand, pushed his friends ahead of him, and said, "Come on, the emotional moment is over. I’m hungry."
The four friends quickly disappeared around the corner of the hallway, heading in the opposite direction from Asa.
Asa looked at the numbers on the classroom doors and arrived at Anthony’s.
He peeked inside and his heart leapt when he saw his lover, focused on his work as he erased the board filled with calculations and diagrams. One thing was certain: Anthony was clearly in his element.
Asa made sure the classroom was empty and slipped in quietly.
Then he said, "Hello, Professor. I have a question."
Anthony, who was putting handouts away in his bag, jumped and turned around, exclaiming, "Asa!"
Smiling broadly, he added, "What can I do for you, Mr. Fell?"
Asa waved the bag containing Anthony’s lunch in front of him and asked in a playful tone, "Can I tempt you to have lunch with me?"
Anthony stepped forward, but didn't stop in front of Asa. He closed the door behind him and returned to his lover.
"Before lunch, it seems important to me to correct a mistake."
Asa asked, looking confused, "Which one?"
Anthony moved closer still, forcing Asa to back up against the wall, then, resting both elbows on the wall, Anthony brought his face close to his lover’s and breathed against his lips, "I haven’t gotten my good-morning kiss."
Asa tilted his head slightly and said softly, "Help yourself," parting his lips slightly. That was all Anthony needed. He captured his lover’s lips in a kiss that left them both panting.
When he pulled back, Anthony licked his lips before saying, "What a delightful way to whet my appetite."
Glancing at the contents of the bag Asa had brought, he asked, "Fancy having lunch outside? I spotted a shady place not too far away that's still fairly discreet."
Asa gestured with his hand and said as he bowed, "After you.""
They walked out of the classroom, chuckling softly.
"Ah, Professor Crowley!"
The two men turned around at the same time. Asa recognized the receptionist, Ms. Tracy.
"Yes?"
"Oh, I see you've found your... friend."
Asa noticed the deliberate pause before she finished her sentence. He was about to reply when Anthony interjected, "Ms. Tracy, may I introduce Asa Fell, my partner."
Asa swallowed, struck by the boldness and unquestioning certainty with which his lover had spoken.
Ms. Tracy nodded in his direction.
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Fell." Then she addressed Anthony, saying, "If you could stop by the office after class, there are just a few details missing from your file."
"All right, I'll do it."
She nodded once more, then, with a half-smile on her lips, she said before turning on her heel, "Enjoy your meal."
After her departure, Anthony and Asa started walking toward the place Anthony had suggested before.
"Asa, I know we haven't talked about it, but I don't intend to hide it, you know that. I’m only sorry that I-"
Asa shook his head.
"Don't be. On the contrary, I’m actually pretty proud to be introduced as the partner of the famous Professor Crowley."
Seeing his lover’s puzzled expression, Asa recounted the conversation he’d overheard between the four students.
"Barely a month in, and you’re already so popular."
A little embarrassed by the compliment, Anthony replied, "I know who you’re talking about: Adam and Jesus. Those two are really something, but they're also genuinely passionate and interesting. They’re the ones who suggested I start a stargazing club."
"Oh? And you’re going to do it?"
Anthony cleared his throat and said, "I wanted to talk to you about it first because it'll take up one evening a week."
"You don't have to ask me, though I appreciate it. The only thing that matters is whether you want to do it."
Anthony nodded.
"Then do it."
They had arrived at a bench under a weeping willow tree, which provided shade and privacy.
Asa set the bag on his lap and pulled out a thermos first.
"Coffee?"
"Ah, you really are a blessing, you know," Anthony replied, grabbing the thermos and pouring himself a cup while Asa unwrapped a small sandwich.
Asa handed it to Anthony, who bit into it with relish, much to Asa’s delight.
"Oh, Asa, I'm going to get used to this, I swear."
"I don't see a problem with that."
Anthony swallowed a bite and replied, "I mean, not every day, obviously, but would you be okay with once or twice a week? That we make this lunchtime something like a habit?"
"I'll have to check with Derek, but I'd very much like it. He'll tease me about it for a long time, but it's absolutely worth it."
"Oh, really?" asked Anthony, greedily grabbing another sandwich.
"Yes, that way I can spend a little more time with you."
Anthony nearly choked and replied, "Give a guy a heads-up when you’re being this adorable."
Asa chuckled as he handed Anthony the last sandwich. This time, Anthony held it up to his lover's mouth so he would take a bite. He then waited until Asa gave in.
Once Asa had bitten into the sandwich, Anthony took a bite himself and winked, saying, "Hehe, indirect kiss."
Asa scoffed, "Are you in middle school or something?"
"With you, I feel like I’m turning back to that age."
Asa shook his head. Then, glancing at his watch, he said, "I think you have to leave soon, and so do I. I wouldn't want to test Derek's patience."
Anthony nodded and stood up, brushing crumbs off his clothes. Asa packed everything back into the bag he’d brought, slung it over his shoulder, and stood up as well.
"I’m heading the other way," Asa said.
Anthony nodded. "I’ll finish up a little before the shop closes tonight. I’ll come pick you up, and we can head back to my place together."
"I'll be waiting for you."
"Well, see you later, my dear."
It was a bit too exposed for a more effusive farewell. Before leaving, however, Asa placed two fingers to his lips, kissed them, and then pressed them against Anthony’s.
Surprised at first, Anthony briefly kissed Asa’s fingers in return.
Asa winked at him, "An indirect adult kiss."
Then, as he walked away, he waved his hand under Anthony’s amazed gaze.
The professor no longer had any doubt about the depth of his feelings for the bookseller, and he knew that he wouldn't be able to stop himself from confessing his feelings for much longer.