Rack & Ruin (THIRDS 3)

“Should I make a serious face when I say it?” Sloane’s brows drew together, and he schooled his expression, his voice gruff. “You’re so cute.”

Dex let out a laugh. “And you’re such a dork.”

“Says the guy who owns Star Wars Lightsaber chopsticks.”

“Sushi tastes better when you use the Force.”

“You’re only strengthening my case,” Sloane said with a wink.

“Does that mean you don’t want the ones I ordered for you?”

Sloane peered at him. “You ordered me Lightsaber chopsticks?”

“Yep. But if it’s too dorky for you….” Dex tried hard not to laugh at Sloane’s wary expression.

“Which ones?”

“I have Luke’s, so I ordered you Yoda’s.” Dex held back a smile, watching as Sloane thought about it before giving him a curt nod.

“I approve.”

Dex rubbed his fingers over the stubble on Sloane’s jaw when he heard it. Wait, was that…. No, it couldn’t be. Could it? He discreetly lowered his gaze to Sloane’s, meeting his lover’s wide eyes and confirming Dex wasn’t hearing things.

“Holy shit, you’re purring!”

Sloane bolted up right, turning to stare at Dex. “I was, wasn’t I?”

“I take it that’s sort of a new thing for you.”

“I… I’ve never done that before. Not while Human anyway. I didn’t even know I could do that. I shouldn’t be able to do that! It’s….” Sloane looked like he was at a loss for words.

“A little creepy?” Dex offered sympathetically.

Sloane nodded.

Dex reached out, and Sloane pulled back, eyeing him. “What are you doing?”

“I want to see if you do it again.”

“I can’t make it happen, Dex, it simply… does. You can’t force a Felid to purr.”

“Okay, then, lie down.”

“Dex,” Sloane huffed.

“Come on. Aren’t you curious?”

With a heavy sigh, Sloane lay down, his head on Dex’s lap.

“Relax,” Dex said, running his fingers through Sloane’s hair. “Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and relax.” He continued to run his fingers through his lover’s hair, caressing his jaw and stroking his cheek until Sloane’s breathing evened out. Then Dex heard it again. A faint rumbling coming up from Sloane’s chest, vibrating against Dex’s leg. Sloane opened his eyes, his bottom lip jutted out.

“I’m fucking purring.”

“But you know what?” Dex lowered his head toward Sloane’s and cupped his face.

“What?”

“It’s kind of adorable.”