[hr][h1][b][i][color=6666FF][center]Demetri Rowan Howell[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h1]
[center][h1][color=#EEE8AA]Ezekiel Kel[/color][/h1][/center]
[b][i][center]Can't Spell Subtext Without…[/center][/i][/b]
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[center][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/392257844256440322/830204578695479306/tumblr_mvqzd9XuXx1s9n48oo1_500.gif[/img][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/392257844256440322/830209579019272222/tumblr_eb131d2752982762cf6763126136ee69_b82b5cef_540.gif.webp[/img][/center][hr]

Demetri walked into the Infirmary, hands clasped in front of himself as he looked around. [Color=6666FF]"Um, Is Zeke here?"[/color] He asked a bit meekly as another camper nodded to him and pointed Demetri in the right direction of where the blonde son of Apollo lay. Demetri's eye had been bandaged up and cleaned in order to help prevent any infections that may have occurred, but he still wanted Zeke to take a look at it. In part this was because he trusted Zeke to heal him and help keep it safe; however the other part was that he realised just how much he had enjoyed  being healed and taken care of by him. It wasn't the same feeling as when they insulted each other. It felt different, good, almost...warm.

Demetri pointed awkwardly to the bandages wrapped around his eye. Giving a slight polite smile as he stood there in his awkward height before finally speaking. [Color=6666FF]"Hi, heh, um, right, soooo I kinda got my eye clawed out by a harpy in the fight for New Rome."[/color] There was a long awkward pause before he continued. [Color=6666FF]"I was kinda hoping you could do your thing and help me out? I uh, don't exactly trust anyone else to look at it."[/color] The nerves were killing him, his slight British accent becoming thick and pronounced when he spoke. [Color=6666FF]"You know what? You're probably busy, I should just leave…"[/color]

Ezekiel was leaning against the counter top, book in hand as he was going over some information on medicinal plants. He was trying to figure out which ones would be better for healing poisons when he heard the awkward voice of Demitri. Ezekiel fought an eye roll and set his book down on the table so he wouldn’t lose his place. 
[color=#EEE8AA]”Zeus, Hera and Hades,”[/color] Ezekiel swore as he looked at Demetri and the obvious bandage that covered his eye and the story that went with it. He stood and rummaged in the cupboard behind him for a salve that would help with scarring and antibiotics. While he was doing this, Demetri was muttering but Zeke caught him saying he should leave. 
[color=#EEE8AA]”Sit,”[/color] Ezekiel ordered. When it came to Zeke being in the infirmary, his usual hostile attitude to anyone, especially Demetri and children of the big three, went out the door. There was no room for personal feelings in the Infirmary. 

Demetri wasn't expecting such a short, concise, and strong command to come from Zeke. The single word caught him by surprise as his heart skipped a beat and his cheeks began to flush ever so slightly. He immediately quieted up, stopping any muttering he had been doing and finding a place to sit down before Zeke. There was something about this scenario that just sat right with him. Something about the way Zeke spoke that made him feel...different. He didn't say anything, just sitting there watching as Zeke rummaged through the cupboard in search for some healing tonics or whatever it was demigods used besides food.

Ezekiel set the items on the table Demetri sat on and he started to carefully unravel the bandages around Demetri’s eye. His touch was light and practiced. Ezekiel didn’t even comment on the blush that found Demetri’s pale cheeks. Ezekiel was a different person in the infirmary. He wasn’t the cocky, ignorant freshly turned sixteen year old but a professional with the desire to care for people.
As the bandages came free, Zeke saw what Demi’s eye looked like. He whistled appraisingly and felt around the bone to see how the eye was healing and if anything was broken. 
[color=#EEE8AA]”They really did a number on you. What even happened anyways?”[/color] Ezekiel continued with his examination, asking Demi if anything hurt on occasion. He palpated around the eye and examined how it was healing. 

Demetri winced reflexively as Zeke went for the bandages. It didn't hurt but he thought it should. Part of him felt ashamed to even have the child of Apollo look at him in such an unflattering way. Though he supposed Zeke always did that. His shoulders relaxed, letting out a short sigh as he waited for the final examination, Zeke doing his best to keep the conversation flowing. It was weird seeing him so...different. He'd grown since he last saw him, matured, or perhaps he was always like this and Demetri hadn't even noticed until there was an absence of his presence. 

He coughed slightly before answering his question. Clearing his throat for what could either sound as an epic tale or an embarrassing story. [Color=6666FF]"Well, there was a girl trapped in [i]The[/i] Labrynth, which apparently exists, and war was upon us as massive waves headed towards New Rome. We were asked to help with the battle, leave her beside and stop the fall of New Rome. I...I thought I could end it quickly, be an assured victory...I was wrong. I shifted into a dragon, flying overhead and taking out ground forces as I could. But the Harpies were vile and began to swipe at me as I defended others. Larger eyes make for a larger target it turns out. Her claws wrapped around the eye and under the socket, plopping it out and leaving me to tend to choose between tending my wounds or keeping the army at bay."[/color]

There was a pause as he stopped to remember, to recall the scene and the scents of fire, blood, and burnt flesh came riding back in waves. A recollection of the sudden scent of iron filling his nose as his own blood began to pour and drip and coat his left side. How worthless he felt having failed Waverly and failed New Rome. He snapped back as Zeke was palpating near his eye. [Color=6666FF]"Clearly I didn't choose my wounds...though it also clearly didn't help much."[/color]

Ezekiel listened to the epic tale from Demetri as he continued about his task. It seemed a little drama filled to Ezekiel but it had been very real and probably felt that way to Demetri at the time. Turning into a dragon was pretty cool though. 
[color=#EEE8AA]”Huh, and I thought I was doing well with killing Echidna,”[/color] he noted. [color=#EEE8AA]”Injuries happen all the time Demi. It’s unfortunate it was your eye but better than an arm or a leg. Alright, I’m going to try and speed up the healing process for you. Nothing seems damaged and it’s healing well already but I’d like to speed it up to try and avoid infections.”[/color] Ezekiel pulled his hands away and rubbed them together. Soon they started to glow.
[color=#EEE8AA]”You’ll feel an intense warmth and maybe some itching, try to sit still.”[/color] Ezekiel placed a hand over Demi’s eye socket and shut his eyes. The glowing intensified and Ezekiel started to feel the skin grow and knit rapidly together. He managed to heal the hole further but not as much as he may have liked. It was a dramatic thing to lose an eye. 
After the glow faded, Ezekiel pulled his hand away and examined the hole again. [color=#EEE8AA]”Alright, here’s a salve that will help with the healing as well. Put it on twice a day, replacing the wrappings as needed. After about a week, you shouldn’t need to wrap it anymore. Maybe a kid from Hephaestus could make you a new eye,”[/color] Zeke said. This was usually the mild humor he would have in the Infirmary, other than that he was always rather serious behind the walls of the blue house.

Demetri’s eye went wide as Zeke mentioned felling Echidna. That must have been such a massive task, and yet here he stood fully intact. As he was instructed not to move, he wriggled in his seat, adjusting himself to get a bit more comfortable and straighten his posture as if he was at an actual doctor's office. He watched as Zekes hands began to glow and he closed his eye along with him, opening it partially only to see Zeke illuminated with light. A halo of energy seemingly surrounding him thanks to the perspective. He looked…[color=6666FF]"Beautiful…"[/color] The word barely a whisper as it left his awe struck lips. It was like being cared for by an angel, ones he previously dismissed as fairytales.

His touch was warm, and the itch went by largely unnoticed. It both lingered for eternity and lasted mere seconds to him. Finally having the glow drop before being handed a salve. He held up the container in acknowledgement as he looked to Zeke. [Color=6666FF]"Right. Might bother you again for some help if that's ok."[/color] He cast his eye downwards, thinking. [Color=6666FF]"I'm really glad that you're safe…"[/color]

Ezekiel smirked when he heard Demitri comment on the use of his power. Ezekiel was standing close enough and it was quiet enough for him to hear it. His father had been called such in stories but it was in Ezekiel’s knowledge that the gods called beautiful were often the most dangerous. 
After Demetri took the salve, Ezekiel stepped back, leaning against the counter behind him and crossed his arms. He nodded when Demetri said he would probably come by again. 
[color=#EEE8AA]”Fine by me, I’m sure I’ll be here.”[/color] Ezekiel wasn’t planning on going on another Quest for awhile so he would be sticking around camp. 
At the mention of Demetri saying he was glad Ezekiel was safe, he examined the evil eye bracelet on his wrist and smiled. He hadn’t seen the mystery girl anywhere and he had definitely looked. [color=#EEE8AA]”Ya, me too. Echidna had a Chimera that we had to fight plus her other goons. Rather eventful. I’m glad you guys are alright too. It sounded rough in New Rome.”[/color] Out of the fights, Ezekiel was grateful he went on the quest. 

[Color=6666FF]"It was rough, but we made it out which I guess is what matters in the end right? But a chimera?"[/color] Demetri whistled in amazement. [Color=6666FF]"Now [i]that[/i]  sounds crazy. "[/color] Demetri almost hadn't noticed that Zeke was still wearing the bracelet if it wasn't for him inspecting it. He nodded towards the item on his wrist.  [Color=6666FF]"Oh hey,  I've heard of those.  Supposed to ward off evil or some supernatural stuff. Never been one in belief but kinda funny you have one and I lost an eye. How long you had it?"[/color]

Ezekiel rubbed the back of his neck when Demetri pointed the bracelet out. He felt rather embarrassed now that it had been pointed out. 
[color=#EEE8AA]”Ya, I don’t really believe in it either but the person who gave it to me believed in it enough for the both of us. I got banged up pretty bad a few times. Well we all did but I was able to heal them. I think it helped. Gods know my father wasn’t around to help,”[/color] Ezekiel said bitterly. [color=#EEE8AA]”It was given to me right before leaving for the quest.”[/color]

Demetri smiled at how Zeke spoke about the bracelet. [Color=6666FF]"It sounds like you got it just in time then. I may not be the biggest believer in the gods but, I do believe in luck."[/color] He could hear the bitterness in his voice. Knowing full well how abandoned the kids of gods could feel. [Color=6666FF]"I noticed the gods seldom get their own hands dirty. I think that's where we come in. But hey, as far as demi-children go...you're not half bad."[/color] He glanced back at the bracelet on his wrist. Tempted to tell him, or at the very least to say how he feels out loud.

Ezekiel rolled his eyes at Demetri’s half assed complement. [color=#EEE8AA]”And you’re not a half bad dragon,”[/color] Ezekiel poorly joked. He pushed away from the counter and grabbed a set of fresh bandages. [color=#EEE8AA]”Let me wrap that up for you before you go.”[/color] There was no real reason for Demi to be around anymore, unless he was just wanting to talk which wasn’t something the two of them normally did.

Once Zeke got close enough to wrap the bandages around Demetri’s eye, he reached out and gripped his wrist. Finally looking up and matching his gaze. [Color=6666FF]"I really appreciate it. I mi-...I could've used you out there. You really are more than you let on, and...you let on a lot."[/color] Demetri let go of his wrist and gave him a playful jab in the arm. [Color=6666FF]"For a dork I mean"[/color] The insult weak, and clearly not from the heart. Demi sitting there thinking about how Zeke looked when he saw the bracelet, how he glowed when he helped him, and how much he probably didn't reciprocate any of those feelings for him. 

Ezekiel raised an eyebrow when Demetri grabbed onto his wrist, preventing Ezekiel from doing his job. If it was outside the infirmary, Ezekiel probably would have shoved Demi off of him but in here, Zeke was wondering if it was because Demi didn’t want Zeke to touch him or was afraid. He cocked his head to the side when Demetri switched gears in the middle of a sentence. 
[color=#EEE8AA]”I am certain Kristin would disagree with you. I missed several important shots out there. The ambrose did it’s job. I wouldn’t have been able to do much for you until you were off the battlefield anyways,”[/color] Ezekiel said. He smirked at Demi and started to wrap his eye. [color=#EEE8AA]”I won’t tell anyone that you almost said you missed me.”[/color]

Demetri’s face went bright red as Zeke finished his sentence. He hadn't meant to, he didn't mean. But of course he did, and ofcourse he wanted to say it but he didn't know how. He's never known how. He couldn't tell if the warmth from his cheeks was from the rush of blood, or the touch of Zekes hands, or both. His eye immediately looked down away from Zekes as he tried to think but all his mind could do was scream. His hands fidgeting with the edge of the table before he finally muttered out something. [Color=6666FF]"Pfffft missed you? Who would do that? Not me that's for sure."[/color] The comment was loud, bordering Obnoxious and thick with his accent before it finally dulled down and softened back to a whisper only Zeke could hear. [Color=6666FF]"But if I did...you know, miss you, thanks for keeping it between us."[/color]

Ezekiel smirked as Demetri tried to back track, rather loudly, before whispering his thanks.
[color=#EEE8AA]”I’ll let you in on a secret Dem. Anything said to me in the Infirmary, stays in the Infirmary. Patient confidentiality and all that but if you slip outside the blue house, it’s fair game.”[/color] He finished wrapping the bandage and stepped back to examine the work. [color=#EEE8AA]”Get Andy or someone to help you wrap that securely everyday. If you want to come at the end of the week, I can look it over again, maybe try healing it further.”[/color]

The temptation of confidentiality was too great, but Demetri knew that not saying anything outside to others and treating him differently or avoiding him were two very different things.  He contemplated joking about his appearance, or giving a sly comment about it, but he couldn't find a good way to mask it as an insult. So he let Zeke finish doing his thing, inspecting him as he inspected his work and just smiled and nodded towards his request. [Color=6666FF]"I'm sure I can pester someone to help me tighten it off as the days go by. But be careful saying I can come back in a week or it'll be a date doc."[/color] Demetri reached up, gently feeling the bandages wrapped about his eye, threatening a smile knowing who had done them.

Ezekiel chuckled and shook his head. [color=#EEE8AA]”Not a doctor but thanks for the vote of confidence. You’re free to go, unless there’s something else you need.”[/color] Ezekiel leaned back against the counter, ready to get back to his book. As far as he could tell, there was nothing else Demi needed help with.

Demetri watched as Zeke once again leaned against the counter. He wasn't sure if the blonde demi-god was teasing him, or even aware of how good that made him look. Accentuating his torso and lifting his shirt ever so slightly so as to show a peak at skin, almost tempting someone to dare to look. His eye looked up, avoiding the obvious trap and he smiled at Zeke as he walked towards him. He did something he'd never done before, leaning into him and pulling him into a hug before giving him a peck on the cheek and letting him go. [Color=6666FF]"Tell anyone and you're dead."[/color] He spoke through red cheeks.

Ezekiel eyed Demetri as he walked towards Ezekiel. What exactly was mini Zeus up to? Ezekiel had noted Demetri watching him after he leaned against the counter again. Ezekiel knew he looked good, he had filled out more after another year of training and aging but the poor boy was still single. He was focusing on his work in the Infirmary more than anything now but he still kept looking for the raven haired girl. 
Demetri pulled him into a quick hug before kissing Zeke’s cheek. Zeke blinked as he was released. He leaned against the counter again, having nowhere else to go. 
[color=#EEE8AA]”I think I might already be dead,”[/color] Ezekiel noted. Demi had to know Zeke wasn’t on his team. Sure, Zeke flirted but he flirted with everyone. He glanced around the room but they were quite alone. 

[Color=6666FF]"Ok...sure...not exactly the words I expected for a reaction for my first kiss but sure."[/color] Demetri was just as stunned as Zeke was about what he had just done. Backing away a bit more from Zeke. [Color=6666FF]"You uh...been working out? Ugh that's so dumb obviously you have i...pffft. I should go huh?"[/color] Demetri's eye looked anywhere but where Zekes gaze was. His face still red with embarrassment. 

Despite Ezekiel not batting for the other team, his face started to flush. Ezekiel shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. [color=#EEE8AA]”I don’t think a kiss to the cheek counts as a first kiss,”[/color] Zeke defended. [color=#EEE8AA]”If you want a better reaction, I’d suggest kissing someone who isn’t straight. Not that I’m not flattered.”[/color] He shook his head and pulled down his pale green shirt and picked up his book.
[color=#EEE8AA]”Remember to use the salve twice a day,”[/color] Ezekiel said, redirecting the conversation.

Demetri couldn't help but start pacing in place. Not moving more than four steps before turning about and doing so again. He didn't know what he expected, he didn't know why he even did it, but his heart and his mind were both racing and each had their very own opinions on what they should do. When Zeke finally spoke up Demi stopped and turned to him jaw slightly agape as he scoffed. [Color=6666FF]"Well I couldn't bloody well of snogged ya on the lips now could I mate? I wasn't sure where exactly you lay and honestly you've any idea how terrifying any of this is."[/color] He began to pace once more, finally recalling the salve that had been in his hand this whole time. He recognized Zekes attempt to change subjects, something he was clearly more capable of doing at the moment than he. [Color=6666FF]"Right. Yeah, twice a day got it."[/color] There was a cough in an attempt to cover up his awkward tone and eventual voice break that happened at the last two words. 

Ezekiel nearly looked like a deer caught in the headlights as Demi started to pace back in forth and talk. His accent came out rather heavy as he spoke in what Zeke assumed to be nerves. Well, Ezekiel was rather nervous as well. What did Demi want from him exactly?
There was an awkward silence after Demetri’s voice crack and Ezekiel stood there awkwardly. He glanced down at his book before setting it back on the counter. 
[color=#EEE8AA]”Demi, I’m sorry if I did something to confuse you or… I don’t want to sound like an ass but, ya, I’m sorry. And if you tell anyone that, I will kill you. I have a reputation,”[/color] he joked poorly. [color=#EEE8AA]”I have a general idea on how terrifying it is. I have a crush on this one girl, she gave me this bracelet but I haven’t seen her anywhere. I’m starting to wonder if I imagined it. And there’s Janelle too,”[/color] he added. He had developed a bit of a crush on the red head when they went on their quest. 

Demi waved his hand dismissively towards Zeke. [Color=6666FF]"Bah, you're fine. You didn't confuse me mate I just. You can never know you know? Who likes who or what. I just. For a second. I."[/color] His eyes became misty as he sat back down on the table and let out a massive exhale. Zeke said he understood but it was different for him. He'd never have to wonder if they liked him. Sure he may get rejected but chances were high the girls he liked would be on the same spectrum as him. There wasn't a lot of gay fish in the sea, throw in that he can't even have a normal relationship unless he wants to invite a mortal into the world of monsters. His heart twisted and felt as if it was being torn apart and then finally stopped completely when Zeke had mentioned the girl who gave him the bracelet.

He hadn't expected for him to develop a crush. He never meant it to go this far. He just wanted a way to confess his feelings without repercussions and yet here they were blowing up in his face. Demetri tried to recall who Janelle was but his mind was so distracted by everything else it all was just a massive blank to him. He finally closed his eye and laid down on the table trying to slow his breath and halt the tears that wanted to be shed. He didn't bother sitting back up. Feeling a few drops escape and drip down. [Color=6666FF]"I can't leave here. Not like this. People will have questions. So...talk me down. Tell me about these girls you like, bracelet chick and Janelle."[/color]

Ezekiel looked around the room again, looking for help when Demetri walked back to the table and laid down, like he wasn’t leaving anytime soon. Ezekiel sighed and looked up at the ceiling, praying to no one and rubbed his face and both hands through his hair. Demetri wanted him to tell him about the girls he had crushes on. Ezekiel wasn’t sure that would really help but what other options did he have? 
[color=#EEE8AA]”Um, well Janelle is the twin sister to Jason. She’s a daughter of Hypnos though. She’s blind too but she doesn’t let that stop her from doing anything. It’s beautiful really. Well, everything about her is beautiful.”[/color] Ezekiel rubbed the back of his neck, feeling how warm it was and how nervous he was talking about this. Ezekiel traditionally wasn’t a very open person. [color=#EEE8AA]”And this other girl. I know absolutely nothing about her other than I can’t get the image of her out of mind. She was so worried about me, desperate that I would come back to camp. It was so weird. I have never seen her before and I’m certain I would remember her. She was gorgeous, could definitely do way better than me and yet she was completely focused on me.”[/color] 
Ezekiel shook his head out of the memory and looked for water to drink or something. 

It wasn't until Zeke mentioned Jason that it finally clicked who she was. He hadn't had much of a chance to meet her before they went off to their separate missions. It was no wonder he started crushing on her, trauma bonding is a serious thing. But the more he spoke of her the more he wished he would get to him, er, the other him. He debated on telling Zeke, laying there as the tears dried and he stared up at the ceiling. All he could think about was asking Zeke one question, but he was sure he'd know the answer and he didn't want to cross any lines. So he laid there, listening, and then he heard the way he spoke about him. His voice, that tone, he didn't even need to see his face to tell what it was doing. Demetri let out another sigh as he sat up to see Zeke going to get something. 

[Color=6666FF]"It’s not that weird. The girl showing up I mean. We're demi-gods and I'm pretty sure stuff like this happens all the time. People mystically appear out of thin air when needed most then are gone the next second. Maybe it was the fates intervening, or a child of them I don't know. And stop selling yourself short. You're hot and you know it so none of this self deprecation. It's weird when you do it and also it's kinda my thing."[/color] Demetri tried to joke. His voice dropped again, back to a whisper. A question struggling to worm its way out. [Color=6666FF]"Listen, whatever is said in here is between us ok? And I'm not saying that for me, I'm saying that anything you say is safe with me too. And well...ugh no it's stupid I shouldn't even ask."[/color]

Ezekiel looked over when Demi sat back up again. He seemed a bit better now but Ezekiel couldn’t be sure. It seemed like Demi switched moods easily. Demetri’s words weren’t really encouraging. He was hoping it wasn’t a dream or the Fate intervening. Maybe he should find Rosie but she was never forthcoming with straight forward information. 
[color=#EEE8AA]”You know, you’re trying to be nice but telling me I probably did imagine it hasn’t really helped my already non existent inflated ego,”[/color] Ezekiel declared and took a sip of water. Ezekiel watched Demi switch again and he sighed, setting the water aside. [color=#EEE8AA]”Just ask me Demi, it’s going to bug you if you don’t.”[/color]

[Color=6666FF]"Ok first of all, I didn't mean you imagined her. I'm saying maybe you're looking in the wrong places. Maybe a past camper or something I don't know I'm new to all this. But I'm sure she's out there watching out for you. And second...agh it might bug me even if I do ask but fine."[/color] Demetri walked over towards Zeke taking a breath to steady his nerves before finally mumbling out his question. [Color=6666FF]"I know you don't roll that way now and it's cool and I get it but would it be ok if we just kissed and got it over with so my stupid mind can let it go? Hell I'll shift if I have to. I just need this thought out of my head."[/color] Demetri took Zeke's glass and downed the rest of the water out of nerves.

Demetri’s response was drowned out by his question. Ezekiel stood there in shock at Demetri’s request. 
[color=#EEE8AA]”Um….”[/color] He rubbed the back of his neck nervously and shifted his weight. The mention of Demetri shifting didn’t even clue into Zeke’s mind as he stood there. Time was starting to lengthen and Ezekiel knew he wasn’t helping the situation by not saying anything. If this was anywhere but the Infirmary, Zeke would refuse but here, he was in the business of helping people but this was a whole new level. 
[color=#EEE8AA]”Demitri, are you sure you want this? I mean, I know it’s just a kiss but wouldn’t you want this from someone who doesn’t treat you like shit outside of the Infirmary? I mean, I’m an ass to everyone but, are you sure?”[/color] 

Ok so it wasn't an easy question. Demetri knew that. But did he have to take so long to answer? Every second felt like an hour, each tick that passed on by made his anxiety grow stronger and he thought he was going to hurl, or pass out, or both. But finally something came out of those beautiful lips. The question rang in his head like the bells of a church. It was loud, and abrasive, and he had no idea how best to answer it. So he did what he does best when nervous. He word vomited. 

[Color=6666FF]"Wow. Um, how do I put this? Yes. Yes I'm sure. And ya I know you treat me like garbage outside of here but I don't know how to explain it. Just moments ago you told me to sit and it made my heart skip a beat. The assertiveness just kinda drove me wild. And and yeah ok you can be an ass but for some stupid reason I find it [i]extremely[/i] charming and it's kinda hot and I don't know why but evertime you insult me it just makes me wish you'd just grab me and kiss me already."[/color] The sentence ended in a gasp as he could even comprehend the words that had just left his mouth. What was he saying? Why was he speaking? Truly his life was a Greek tragedy.

Ezekiel was stunned once again as Demetri word vomited. How was one even supposed to respond to something like that. Ezekiel looked away from Demetri, staring at the wall that had charts on it but he couldn’t even comprehend what they said at the moment. Ezekiel felt flushed, he had never really been complimented like that before and he wasn’t sure how to feel about it. 
[color=#EEE8AA]”Well, that was a lot and thank you? I think,”[/color] he said lamely. [color=#EEE8AA]”I can’t give you what you need outside of this Demi but if you want a kiss, I’ll kiss you. Just remember it won’t be more than that.”[/color] Ezekiel felt like the worst kind of asshole. Not the type that makes jokes but the ones that used to call him names, call his mother names and beat him up at school. 

[Color=6666FF]"Trust me I was a compliment."[/color] Demetri seemed to almost deflate, thinking he would say no. And why wouldn't he? He had resigned himself to that fact until he offered him what he asked for. It meant nothing to Zeke, but it meant the world to Demetri. He didn't know about his past, the troubles this might bring up, he just knew how extraordinarily sweet he was being at this moment. Demetri moved in closer, placing his hands in Zekes as he rested his forehead on his. [Color=6666FF]"I know you can't give me more than this, and I know I'm already asking for a lot. But...for what its worth? You're not the asshole I made you out to be at first. You're easily one of if not the kindest guy I've ever met. If you're more than ok with it then I'm ready...and thank you."[/color]

Ezekiel tensed when Demetri took his hands and leaned in close. The press of Demetri’s forehead against his wasn’t what he was expecting but Ezekiel was grateful for a few more moments to breathe. He tried to relax but his heart was pounding and he was sure his hands were sweating. Ezekiel laughed a little uncomfortably but nodded. 
[color=#EEE8AA]”Ya, well, maybe you can tell others that bit,”[/color] he joked. It actually did mean something that Demetri didn’t think he was being an asshole at this moment. One would see once they were out of the Infirmary though. Ezekiel took a breath and looked at how close Demetri was to his face before he stole what little courage he had for a situation like this and kissed Dimetri. 
Ezekiel’s lips simply pressed against Demi’s unsure of how to continue this. He wasn’t about to make out with Demetri but if he needed more, he wasn’t sure and didn’t want to proceed if the simple kiss was good enough. It was a strange sensation but Ezekiel didn’t have a comparison but he was sure it wouldn’t be the same as kissing a girl. 

Demetri could feel the rapid pulse in Zekes hands, the sweat beginning to form, and he started to wonder if he was just as nervous too. He didn't like him so why would he be? Unless...he was confused? Demetri pushed all thoughts aside however as soon as Zekes lips touched his. The world seemed to melt away and all he could feel was how soft his lips were, and in bliss he tightened his hold on Zeke's hands, pressing forward slightly as he now leaned partially on the counter behind them. Zeke had stopped it at a peck, but Demetri kept it going. Turning the kiss into a small make-out, but making sure he wasn't forcing it on him either. His right hand let go of Zekes and rested on his lower back as he anchored himself. Damn it, why did he have to be good at kissing?

Ezekiel felt Demetri deepen the kiss and responded in kind. He was very aware that it was Demetri’s hair brushing against his own and Demetri’s hand pressing onto the small of his back.
He tensed at the increase in touch but Ezekiel didn’t pull away. He was trying to relax but he was having a hard time of it, at least Demi didn’t seem to mind if Ezekiel was tense.
With his left hand free, Ezekiel rested it on Demetri’s cheek as they kissed and his lips shifted to match the change in pace. The kiss didn’t last much past that though as Ezekiel pulled back. His left hand slid from Demi’s cheek and touched his lips for a moment as he processed what happened. Ezekiel cleared his throat and scratched his ear. 
[color=#EEE8AA]”Was that, um, okay?”[/color] 

Demetri felt Zeke's hand against his cheek, and it only made him love it more. He wanted it to last a moment longer, but he felt as their lips parted and watched the hand that was on his cheek now gently pressed against Zeke's lips. Demetri was trying to catch his breath, panting a bit as he looked at Zeke in awe. He looked so cute afterwards, and he honestly hoped he enjoyed it. [Color=6666FF]"Was that ok? Fuck mate, I was [i]really[/i] hoping you were a terrible kisser but...you're brilliant. It was...indescribably good."[/color] Demetri’s hand matched Zeke's, touching his own lips as he thought back on the kiss. His legs felt weak, as if they could collapse at any second, and his heart was pounding out of his chest. [Color=6666FF]"Sorry if I was a bit of a let down there."[/color]

Ezekiel grinned despite himself then fought to clear his throat and get the smile off his face again. [color=#EEE8AA]”To be fair, you don’t have anyone to compare to,”[/color] he noted. [color=#EEE8AA]”I don’t think you were a let down but I knew I should probably end it.”[/color] Zeke didn’t want to be rude to him but he had been honest with Demi that it wouldn’t go further than that. At least Demi seemed to really enjoy it and that was the entire point. 

[Color=6666FF]"To be fair, I don't think I need anyone to compare it to to make that call. As much as I'd hate to admit it, you literally made my legs weak just by kissing me. I honestly don't know if I could move a step without falling. My hearts beating faster than I've ever felt, and I didn't know...I didn't think that's how it'd feel if I ever kissed anyone and yet...you seriously need to believe in yourself more cuz you're a damn catch."[/color] Demetri tried to take a step backwards and fumbled from his predicament. Catching himself slightly and leaning against a table.

[color=#EEE8AA]”You’re inflating my ego,”[/color] Ezekiel declared. He rubbed the back of his neck again, sure he was missing a few layers of skin now from how often he was rubbing the skin there. When Demetri fumbled a step Ezekiel stepped forward to catch him if he truly did fall but Demi managed to catch himself before falling. Ezekiel stood straight again, relaxing from going back into healer mode. 
Ezekiel appreciated Demetri’s words of encouragement but this year his priorities were shifting. His crush on Janelle was strong but he wasn’t going to overstep with her. 
[color=#EEE8AA]”You’ll find someone Demi. Someone else who will be weak in the knees because of you.”[/color] 

[Color=6666FF]"Thanks. I really appreciate that."[/color] It was bittersweet hearing those words. They meant alot, but it also meant that they could never happen. He looked at Zeke for a moment, admiring him, his smile, how he seemed to be glowing at this moment. He liked this side of Zeke. [Color=6666FF]"Hey, listen. I know it may be different when you step out of these walls but...you're always welcome at Zeus cabin. There you can be anyone you want to be, an asshole, this sweetheart before me right now, we can just hang out and you can be yourself without the worries of others eyes on you. It's just me and Andy and she's usually off with Arthur so...it could be nice."[/color] Demetri cleared his throat. [Color=6666FF]"If you want to that is."[/color]

Ezekiel gave Demetri a bit of a look when he invited Zeke to Zeus’s cabin. [color=#EEE8AA]”Dem, if I step foot in that cabin people will know something is seriously wrong. Like I’m either about to kill you or the Underworld froze over. You’re better off coming here,”[/color] Ezekiel said honestly. 

Demetri’s form shrank as he heard his offer being turned down. Why would he think they could be friends? But then Zeke invited him back here. It isn't as if he couldn't come here already, but...this could be their spot. A place where they can both be unashamedly themselves. He smiled at the thought and gave Zeke a gentle punch in the arm. [Color=6666FF]"That's fair. I forget you're kinda known for disliking me. But here could be nice."[/color] Demetri looked around the room, taking it all in before landing on Zeke once more. [Color=6666FF]"It's quiet here. Maybe I'll bring a book over one day and we can just read."[/color]

[color=#EEE8AA]”Like I said, I have a reputation to uphold,”[/color] Zeke said with a slight grin. He nodded when Demetri mentioned bringing a book to read. [color=#EEE8AA]”As long as it doesn’t interfere with my work, there shouldn’t be a problem.”[/color] Ezekiel wasn’t sure him and Demetri would ever be friends but companionable perhaps. At the very least there was an understanding between them now and a moment shared no one else would know about.