Work Text
Norman shifts uncomfortably in his chair, hoping his anxiety isn’t overtly apparent from his demeanor. Despite working this gig for a while now, he never quite got the hang of how to loosen up his nerves, especially during the first “date.” To be honest, he doesn’t even know how he managed to land any clients considering his awkward personality. He is fine over text, but in real life is a completely different story. He is no smooth talker and he can hardly hold a natural conversation for more than five minutes, but some of his clients have told him they liked that part of him. The inexperience and shyness, they associate it with innocence. Perhaps it is the fact that they know how much effort Norman has to put in that pleases them. Watching him squirm might be part of the fun.
Norman does work hard, though. He always tries to keep his clients as happy as he can. Even though some of his customers can be a little more difficult to deal with, he is still grateful for whatever he can get, because he would be screwed without it. Tuition is expensive and he doesn’t have any outside support to fall back on. Like most of his fellow students, he takes out student loans to cover tuition and he is fortunate enough to be the recipient of a hefty scholarship with his good grades, but it is still not enough. This job helps him to be able to pay for school and occasionally afford groceries.
The person he is meeting tonight is a new client, which makes it all the more nerve-wrecking for him. The man seemed genuinely nice, and their conversations over the app were remarkably normal. Norman wants to be hopeful that this will be an easy job, but you can never feel too comfortable in this line of work.
His anxiety always lands him in the exact same situation—arriving way too early for his own good. As minutes go by, Norman can feel his throat drying up from his overthinking. The waiter already had to come by to refill his water twice and the date hasn’t even started yet.
Breathing out a small sigh, Norman reaches out for his glass for the tenth time when a polite voice interrupts his thoughts.
“Hi…..you must be Norman.”
Ethan never quite imagined himself in this situation. After the divorce with Grace, he pretty much figured out he will be alone for the rest of his life. He felt like an absolute failure, not being able to give his spouse the happiness she deserves. Watching her move all her stuff out of his house was a pretty lousy feeling, and Ethan buried himself in work to fill up the silence in his life.
Many months of lonely nights later, Ethan heard about the service through a work friend at the bar. The truth is, he rarely went out, but he particularly craved human interactions that day, so he agreed to meeting up after work.
“An escort?” Ethan’s eyes widened at his friend, James’ casual attitude bringing up the topic. “I-I don’t think I am interested in that……”
“It’s not that uncommon, and no, it’s not about the sex, in case you were wondering.” James waved a hand in front of him dismissively. “It’s just companionship, ya know? Emily and I broke up a year ago, and I just haven’t been ready to go back in the dating scene yet. Sometimes you just want someone to talk to.”
“Yeah, I can understand……” Ethan nodded pensively. He can sympathize with that sentiment. Maintaining a relationship is hard work, but one of the best parts about it is feeling like you always have someone in your corner. He really misses being able to ask Grace how her day was and laugh over silly things that happened at work. Now, all he has is an empty house to go home to.
“Why don’t you give it a shot, Mars?” James nudged him on the shoulder. “Most people I meet on the app are really sweet. Of course, they probably just see it as a job. But what’s wrong with that? At the end of the day, you get someone for the evening and they get compensated well. It’s a win-win situation.” His friend raised an eyebrow at him playfully. “And knowing you, it is practically impossible that you can stop yourself from being an absolute gentleman to whomever you are meeting. They would be lucky to have you as a client.”
Ethan scratched his hair in embarrassment while James chuckled teasingly, not knowing how to respond. He couldn’t bring himself to stop his friend from grabbing his phone and installing the app, because he also couldn’t deny that what James said did in fact piqued his curiosity.
Against his better judgment, Ethan made a profile that same night while lying in his queen-sized bed that night.
This doesn’t mean he is going to actually go for it
. He reassured himself. Just……
finding out more information
.
The app showed him a plethora of potential matches in his area, both men and women. Ethan had come to terms with his sexuality years ago, so he didn’t bother adding a filter. He scrolled through what seemed like fifty people when a young man caught his eyes. The man was probably in his early twenties, so a few years younger than Ethan. He was a good looking guy, that’s for sure. With his soft brown hair and green eyes, what captured Ethan’s attention the most was the shy, reserved smile he had on his face. Something about that boyish charm of his was incredibly endearing.
Norman.
His name read.
Despite it being incredibly lame to admit, Ethan’s heart skipped a beat when he saw the man’s photo. He really is cute. Not wanting to make Norman uncomfortable, he carefully read his bio to make sure he wasn’t crossing any boundaries.
No sexual favors of any kind, companionship only,
it said. That’s not an issue with Ethan at all, since he only wanted someone to talk to anyway.
Physical touch and kissing are okay, as long as they are previously discussed.
Ethan caught himself staring at Norman’s lips in his photo before forcing himself to shift his gaze, feeling the heat on his face. What is he, a teenager?
Glancing back at Norman’s photo, Ethan lasted about a pathetic 30 seconds before giving in and pressing the “request to chat” button on the page. Much to Ethan’s surprise, Norman accepted the request within a couple of minutes.
Good evening, Mr. Mars, thank you for your interest.
A message box popped up out of nowhere, and Ethan nearly dropped his phone on his face.
May I ask what kind of service you are looking for?
Hi, Norman
. Ethan typed back hesitantly. All of the sudden he truly felt like he was out of his depth and almost wanted to delete the app from his phone and never think of this again. But he supposed it was too late, and it would be rude to exit a conversation so abruptly.
To be completely honest with you, I have never used this app before……So I am really not sure where to start.
There is no worry, Mr. Mars
. Norman replied patiently.
It is my job to make you feel comfortable, so we can just go at your own pace. Would it be okay with you if we just talk for a little bit?
Of course. And just “Ethan” is fine.
From there, they quickly slipped into casual conversations. Ethan told Norman about his job as an architect, and the new project he was working on. He had no doubt that it was probably the most boring thing Norman ever heard, but the younger man was sweet and gave responses that indicated he was enjoying listening to Ethan. Before he knew it, two hours had passed and Norman politely told him that he had to sleep soon.
Right, I am so sorry for keeping you. This might be a dumb question but um, how do I pay you for your time tonight?
Ethan glanced at the clock on his nightstand. It’s nearly midnight, which is way past his normal bedtime. He could barely believe he stayed up this long talking to a stranger he had never met.
There is no need!
Norman wrote quickly.
This is just the initial greeting exchange to see if you think I would be a good match for you, so please don’t feel like you should pay me. I always like to get to know my clients a little more before meeting them anyway. It is alright too if you would like to talk to more people before making an actual appointment with me.
Ethan was a little surprised. Norman did stay up late to talk to him and he wasn’t even expecting to get paid? He hoped he didn’t make him feel pressured to keep talking to him.
Oh! Okay, thanks for taking the time to talk to me, Norman.
He thought it over for a few seconds before writing out the next part.
If it is agreeable with you, I would like to meet you in person? Maybe over dinner?
Sure, Ethan. I am usually free for most evenings. Would Tuesday night work for you?
Yes, how about 7pm? I’ll send you the address to the restaurant. You can let me know if it’s out of the way for you, I can find somewhere else.
Perfect! Thank you, Ethan.
A little pause before the next text arrived.
I look forward to meeting you. Talk to you again soon.
See you soon, good night, Norman.
Good night!
Exiting the app, Ethan plugged his phone to the charger. He hadn’t realized it, but he had been grinning like an idiot for the past five minutes. It had been so long since he had experienced this type of……excitement. Taking someone out on a date.
Over the next few days, Ethan exchanged texts with Norman sparingly. From bits and pieces of their conversation, Ethan gathered that Norman was most likely a local university student finishing up his degree. Probably just needed some extra cash to cover expenses for school. Knowing how tough things can be for a lone college kid, he vowed that he would make sure Norman enjoyed his time as well—it had only been a few days since he found Norman on the app, but the boy had already made Ethan feel so comfortable and at ease when talking to him. Even though he knew this was only a job for Norman, he still wanted to properly show him his gratitude. Ethan made a reservation at an Italian place he liked, and showed up on time wearing one of his nicer button down shirts in blue.
He sees Norman as soon as he walks in. The kid is even cuter in person, wearing a slim-fit white dress shirt and black jeans. Even from steps away, Ethan can clearly make out the anxiousness on his face. A sense of protectiveness overcomes him urgently. Through their texts, Ethan can pick up the signs that Norman can be somewhat timid at times, so it must be extra stressful for him meeting someone new, not fully knowing what to expect.
Determined to make this as easy as possible for the kid, he smiles gently and introduces himself.
“Hi……you must be Norman.” He sees the boy raising his head at him and for a second, Ethan loses himself in those emerald green. One of the prettiest colors he has ever seen.
“It’s Ethan. Thank you for coming tonight.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It isn’t often that Norman says this, but he is convinced that he truly got lucky this time. The instant he meets his new client’s warm blue eyes, he immediately feels heat rushing to his face. Ethan is……quite handsome. Sure, he has seen his photo on the app, but he is even more handsome in person. Looks can be deceiving, Norman should know better than anyone, but something in his guts tells him Ethan is someone he can relax around. “Ethan! H-hi, sorry, I didn’t even see you coming in……” Norman stumbles over his words, struggling to give the proper reaction that he practiced before coming here. He hopes Ethan likes his outfit—he doesn’t own many pieces of nice clothes, can’t afford it for obvious reasons, but he always tries to dress well for his clients. In his moment of panic, he debates whether or not it would be impolite of him to not stand up and shake Ethan’s hand. Ethan, ever so perceptive, seems to notice Norman’s dilemma and swiftly takes the seat across from him to spare him from the trouble. “No worries. Sorry if I arrived late.” Ethan smiles kindly, and instantly Norman feels more at ease than ever. “Not at all! I came early, you are perfectly on time.” Norman blushes softly, fingertip tracing his glass of iced water. “Um, how was your day?” Trying to get himself back in his role, the younger man straightens his shoulder and leans a little closer to the table. His job here is to provide companionship, brighten up Ethan’s night. He needs to at least follow through. “It was good! Usually we have tons of routine meetings on Tuesday, but I lucked out and got out of most of them today.” Ethan answers, handing Norman one of the paper menus off the table. “How about you?” “Today was not bad for me either. I um, finished a paper early.” Norman smiles, appreciative of how Ethan cared to ask him. There were plenty of clients he had who only wanted to talk about themselves, which was perfectly fine to Norman. But it is nice to occasionally have someone care about his day too. “That’s great! This makes a good reason to celebrate then.” Ethan beams, and once again Norman feels familiar warmth coloring his cheeks. It is rare for Norman to find anything he does worth celebrating. To be honest, he doesn’t really have anyone who would want to celebrate with. “Oh, and feel free to order whatever you want, Norman. Everything is on me, of course.” “T-thank you, Ethan.” The night goes on as smoothly as he had hoped for. It turns out Ethan does have an excellent taste in picking restaurants, and Norman is pretty sure he just had the best carbonara he has ever tasted in his life. Conversation with Ethan was easy; it’s been so long since he feels so relaxed around someone. “Is it okay for me to take you out again sometime soon? Maybe next week if you are available?” When Ethan asks him that question as they are walking out of the restaurant, Norman couldn’t stop the smile from spreading on his face. “Of course! Thank you for taking me out today, Ethan.” “The pleasure is all mine.” Ethan looks at him fondly, and for a brief moment, Norman nearly forgets that he is “working”.
Ethan is having a really good time with Norman. Amazing, even. He would have never guessed that he can become so comfortable around someone he met from an app for escort service. But being around Norman feels natural, and brings him a sense of happiness that he hasn’t felt in a long time. His good mood is apparent among his social circle. People have commented on how he looks much happier than before. James, while being supportive of Ethan’s willingness to give the app a try, is also concerned that Ethan will end up getting attached. However, Ethan is perfectly aware that their relationship is transactional, that Norman probably has many other clients that he sees on a regular basis, but it doesn’t change how Ethan feels when he is around him. If anything, spending time with Norman gives Ethan back something he thought he had lost forever—the joy of being able to provide for people he cares for. Ethan has always been someone who enjoys being a provider. Back when he and Grace were married, Ethan was more than happy to work more so Grace could make the career switch she wished for. Taking care of others is practically his love language, and now, he feels fulfilled being able to help Norman in the small ways he can. And Norman is genuinely such a good kid. From what he could gather, the kid works extremely hard at school, is very independent, and so very sweet and humble. He never asks for more, earnestly trying to please, and always looks so genuinely grateful. He has gone above and beyond to make sure Ethan has a good experience, so how can he possibly not want to return the favor? Before he knew it, he started seeing Norman on a very consistent basis—once or twice a week. Sometimes they would get dinner together, while others are more casual, like a quick coffee date before Norman has his afternoon class. Norman is slowly but surely opening up to him as well, telling Ethan more and more about his own life. Just the other day, he revealed to Ethan the name of the university he attends, one of the most prestigious institutions not only in the area, but in the entire country as well. This surely explains why Norman always seems strapped for cash: the school is famous not only for its name, but the ridiculously high cost of tuition as well. Family help is out of the question. Ethan made the mistake of bringing up the subject of family once in front of Norman, and the kid went pale and shook his head frantically. Regret instantly flooded Ethan’s mind. Of course, not everyone is fortunate enough to have good family support, and it was his mistake to ask Norman such a personal topic. Ever since that day, he has never asked about Norman’s parents again. The only issue Ethan has encountered so far is his constant urge to do more for Norman, but doing so may be perceived as a breach of his client relationship with him. The last thing he wants is to make Norman feel pressured. Perhaps he can get him a gift of some sort, something that isn’t over-the-top but still be of use to him…… Ethan is sitting at his desk at work when a thought comes to his mind. The last time he went on a date with Norman, he remembers seeing the kid shivering in the wind as they walked out of the restaurant together. The weather is getting colder as winter is approaching, yet Norman was only wearing his sweater and a light jacket that was barely keeping him warm. When Ethan asked him about it, Norman only smiled timidly, telling him that’s the only jacket he had. Content with this idea, Ethan grins and makes a mental note to stop by the department store after work before his date with Norman that day.
Ethan is quickly becoming Norman’s favorite client. He knows he is not supposed to have a favorite, but he would be lying if he said he doesn’t have a preference. It is a stupid thing to feel, with a job like this. He understands that this all can end any time, with the nature of his work, the ball is always in the client’s court. Ethan can wake up tomorrow and realize he doesn’t want to see Norman ever again, and there would be nothing Norman can do about it. Still, he can’t help but to feel giddy every time Ethan texts him, and he can hardly contain his excitement on the days they schedule to meet. For the first time in years, Norman has someone to talk to about anything. Ethan makes it clear that he welcomes all forms of communication from Norman; he is allowed to text or call him anytime he wants. Norman was hesitant to take up the offer initially, but he soon finds himself typing that first text to Ethan after having a particularly terrible day at school. And Ethan, ever so kind, immediately responded and cheered Norman up. The same afternoon, he invited Norman to a bakery he loves and the pair ate chocolate croissants as the sun set, and Norman has never felt happier before. Ethan is the only client Norman has ever told about which school he goes to. He usually likes to keep his own matters private, to prevent things from becoming complicated. But with Ethan, it is so easy to open up to him and tell him about his life. Ethan who truly seems to care about his well-being and wants nothing but to make him feel well taken care of. Ethan who is always so gentle to him. He shouldn’t get attached. Norman keeps telling himself over and over again. He knows at this rate it will really hurt when Ethan ultimately ends their relationship, but maybe this is inevitable, because Norman truly can’t remember the last time he felt this kind of genuine happiness. When Ethan leaves……he will be alone by himself, again. A dull ache is spreading across his chest, making Norman want to crumble. It’s only been a few weeks, but he has already gotten used to Ethan’s presence. Norman is closer to him than any of his other clients, even those whom he has known for over a year. Carrying his mixed emotions on his shoulder as he walks inside the restaurant, Norman tells himself he needs to cheer up. At the very least, he needs to smile for Ethan and not ruin this date. With Ethan, everything is easier, because he doesn’t need to pretend to be happy to be here. But what Norman couldn’t have predicted is the large gift bag that is sitting by his chair, accompanied by Ethan who is beaming at him, blue eyes full of anticipation. “I hope it’s okay for me to give you gifts,” Norman stands there dumbfounded. “Sorry, I probably should have asked……but I wanted to surprise you.” “Ethan, you don’t have to do anything like that, y-you already treat me so well.” Norman can feel himself becoming flustered. This isn’t the first time a client has given him gifts, but somehow, it feels different with Ethan. “It’s nothing, really.” Ethan chuckles, “Do you want to see what it is? I hope you will like it.” Nodding, Norman carefully reaches into the gift bag, his eyes widening when he realizes what it is. A brand new winter coat, one that is puffy and warm and nicer than any coats Norman has ever owned. Ethan even picked out a blue one, after Norman had told him that blue is his favorite color. Norman doesn’t know what is overcoming him, but he can already feel the moisture in his eyes. He quickly wipes the tears from his eyes, realizing Ethan now wears an expression of concern. “I-I am sorry, I didn’t mean to……I love it, Ethan, thank you so much.” He lowers his gaze, cursing himself for being so uselessly emotional in front of Ethan. He should be smiling, telling Ethan how thankful he is, but all he can do is try to blink away the tears that are brimming in his eyes. This isn’t like any other gifts he has been given. This is a gift that shows just how much Ethan cares about him, how much he noticed about him after their brief time together. “Sweetheart.” Norman feels his heart shake at Ethan’s term of endearment, it is the first time he has ever called him that. “Don’t apologize, Norman, you are okay.” Ethan reaches out a hand to him across the table, and Norman forgets how to breathe when he senses the feathery touch on his cheek. He finds the courage to look up at Ethan again with teary eyes. There is no judgment at all on Ethan’s face, only the tenderest affection and this overwhelming sense of protectiveness. Ethan’s fingertips brushes away his tears. “You are always okay when you are with me.” “Thank you, Ethan.” Norman feels like he might be melting away. His pulse is all over the place, but in a good way. “I-I really like the coat.” Ethan smiles at him, “I am glad to hear that.”
The rest of dinner is way less eventful, and Norman finds himself feeling embarrassed after nearly crying in front of Ethan. But Ethan never makes him feel self-conscious about any of it, instead focusing all his attention on bringing back a smile on Norman’s face with lighthearted anecdotes about his coworkers. Soon Norman is laughing freely and openly, his heart feeling lighter than ever. He doesn’t consume a single drop of alcohol the whole night, but Norman feels like he might as well be drunk, because he just can’t stop blushing and giggling in front of Ethan. They end up spending well over two hours at the restaurant, and when they are finally ready to exit, Ethan helps Norman take off the tags on his new coat and Norman puts it on. Instantly, he is able to tell the difference between this and his old jacket. Not only did this coat fit him perfectly, but he also feels so warm and cozy while wearing it. Since it is getting late, Ethan insists on walking Norman to close proximity to his apartment. He doesn’t demand to know where he lives, only wanting to bring him close enough to home to make sure he gets back safely. As they walk in comfortable silence, Norman’s mind is drifting off and replaying the sensation of Ethan’s touch. He must have been spacing out quite a bit, because he is completely unaware of an incoming biker who is riding a bit too fast right towards him on the sidewalk. “Norman! Careful!” Ethan’s exclamation brings him back to real life, and he gasps softly as he is pulled into a warm embrace. The biker yells out a panicked “sorry!” as he passes by, and Norman blinks a few times before realizing the position he is currently in. Ethan’s hand on his lower back, a light embrace, keeping him close to avoid getting run over by the biker.
Close.
He is so close to Ethan. His face is buried on his shoulder. He can smell the cologne on him, an opulent woodiness mixed with notes of bergamot. An inviting, homey, delicate scent. Norman turns bright red. “S-sorry, I didn’t want you to get hurt.” Even in the dark, Norman can tell Ethan is actually blushing. He lets go of him quickly, and Norman mourns the loss of warmth. “Are you okay? I am sorry Norman, this is the second time I touched you without asking first.” “It’s okay. And yeah, I am fine, sorry I wasn’t paying attention.” Norman shakes his head, afraid that if he is to lock eyes with Ethan at this particular moment, he would beg him for more. “And it’s okay for you to touch me, Ethan.” He whispers softly, green eyes scanning for Ethan’s reaction nervously before adding quickly. “I don’t mind it, at all.” “Oh. Oh. Ethan makes a surprised sound, then another more bashful one. “Um, can I hold your hand, then?” “Yes.” Please do.
Slipping his hand into the grasp of Ethan’s hand, Norman smiles shyly, praying in his heart that this moment can last a bit longer.