Chapter Text
Patroclus couldn’t stop thinking about that weird dream he had. What could it mean? The figure in the center had to be Achilles, but he looked so different.
Thanks to the intervention from Briseis, they met every day after classes, to discuss upcoming projects and exams.
Getting to know the boy made Patroclus fall for him so much more. Achilles wasn’t only a gorgeous face, he was funny and clever, seemed to be talented in everything he tried.
“Father wants me to become a medic, but I have no real interest in the subject. I always wanted to be a gymnast.”
They were sitting in the park on campus, enjoying the last rays of sunlight of the afternoon. Briseis left them alone with an obviously see-through excuse, but the boys didn’t seem to mind it at all.
“But why didn’t you tell him that. He shouldn’t pressure you into something you don’t like. It’s your life and future after all.”
Patroclus had a hard time imagining a parent who would make his own child study something he had no interest in. He was very lucky with his Father who was always very supportive.
“Because apparently you can’t make a living out of sports. Well I don’t know which planet he lives on, with all these billionaire professionals and all. Anyway, I promised to give it a go, and if I drop out he will see that I’m not cut out for the job.”
“I’m sure you would be a wonderful athlete.”
Patroclus let it slip out and immediately became red as a tomato. He should really pay more attention to not let his adoration show.
Achilles laughed, and Patroclus felt really embarrassed again. ‘ Stupid, stupid, stupid fool” he scolded himself as he stared at his feet.
“You are very sweet to say that, but you have never seen me in the act. I could be horrible and my Father could be right. Actually, no one ever saw me before, since I prefer solitude in the gym.”
Patroclus couldn’t stop his mind to wonder as he imagined Achilles working out alone, beads of sweat rolling down those killer muscles…. Oh for God’s sake, he should really get his thoughts off him if he didn’t want to pop a boner right beside the object of his fantasies.
“So what do you think?” he heard Achilles say, but he must have zoned out, because he had no idea what the question was.
“What do I think about what?”
“Going to the gym with me, so you can see it for yourself.”
Oh, fuck-a-doodle. He will definitely need a cold shower after this day.
“Sure, I would love to.”
Achilles moved with the grace of a God. Patroclus looked at him completely in awe, as the boy made a double flip backwards and landed on his feet like it was nothing.
“You are unbelievable” was all Patroclus managed to say.
“You didn’t even see anything yet. I’m just warming up.”
It was clear that Achilles was in his element. Why his father did not see that his son was a miracle was beyond Patroclus, but it wasn’t his place to say anything.
After an extraordinarily long routine, filled with flips and jumps and things the other boy couldn’t even name, Achilles looked like he was glowing. There was an aura around him, something indescribably magnificent.
“There is no mistake, you are a born talent. Throwing this gift away would be a shame.”
Patroclus said finally. Achilles smiled at him, bright as the Sun, and the younger boy felt something warm around his heart at that.
“Thank you. I’m gonna hit the showers, then maybe we can go and eat something? If you are free for the evening.”
Is he asking me out on a date? Oh please, tell me he is asking me out on a date.
“Dinner sounds wonderful. I will wait for you here.”
And definitely not imagine you under the shower. Not at all. I would never do that.
Patroclus felt like he was going crazy, but managed to keep a straight face as Achilles went back to the locker room.
Come on, Pat, pull yourself together. It’s only a friendly dinner, nothing else. Don’t make a thing of it.
Achilles came back after a while, blonde hair still a bit damp from his shower.
“So where do you want to go?” he asked as they walked through the campus.
“I wouldn’t mind some Chinese food, if you are okay with that.”
“Perfect. I know this hole in the wall place down the road, that has the most delicious chicken. We should check it out.”
Achilles smiled at him, and Patroclus felt a familiar twinge at his heart, the rumble of the city fading away. For a moment it looked like the boy in front of him was not in his faded jeans and t-shirt, but a snow-white tunic. The smile was the same though, just as bright and beautiful as he remembered it.
“And I would love some figs for dessert.” He heard himself saying.
“Figs? In this season?”
The image shattered, and he was back in the busy street with a rather curious-looking Achilles on his side.
“I have no idea why I said that.”
“You are one mysterious fellow Patroclus Chironidesz. But I’m up for a challenge.”
Still a bit shaken by the vivid image, the younger boy stayed silent, his mind running one mile a minute. He remembered that dream he had, and in his vision Achilles looked just like that figure in the center.
They arrived at the restaurant not so long after, and after getting their orders, they sat down at one of the tables. The place wasn’t big, but it had a good atmosphere. It was close enough to the university to be full with students.
“You are awfully quiet, what are you thinking about so hard?”Achilles asked as they ate.
Patroclus gathered all his courage and decided to be blunt.
“Us. Where do we stand? Is this a…”
“Oh, you are so unbelievably cute. Yes, I do intend this to be a date.” He hesitated for a second. “But only if that’s what you want it to be.”
Patroclus suddenly felt very lightheaded.
“There is nothing I would want more.”
“Not even figs?”
“Figs can come later.”