"Are you going to get anything?" Tab asked as the waitress walked away to retrieve their drinks.

"I think I'll be fine with just coffee." Emmett said, sliding the menu away. He propped an elbow on the table, leaned his chin on his palm. Tab had insisted Emmett join him for dinner this time, even if he didn’t intend on eating anything. Well, he’d ended up with even less of an option anyway since they’d stopped for food before the hotel this time. It was ok, it was clear Emmett got himself into trouble when he was alone. "Why are you sitting over there?"

"Huh? Well, we always sit across from each other. As much of an always as a few days make."

"Until now." Emmett pat the booth next to him invitingly.

Tab grew red-faced. Really, an overreaction after what they’d already done that day. “We’re in the middle of a restaurant.”

“Noooo, really?” Emmett said mockingly. “With a reaction like that you’re just encouraging me to misbehave.” He pat the seat again. “Come here before I decide to go smoke a cigarette instead.”

Tab finally gave in, hurrying up out of his seat as if he was sneaking past a teacher with their back turned. He slid in next to Emmett, glancing at the other patrons as if they might put up a fuss. It was busy but no one bothered looking over.

Tab had left ample space between them but Emmett still wasn’t happy with the distance. He slid closer until their thighs were against one another, earning a whine of disapproval from Tab. “We’re in the middle of a restaurant.” Tab reminded him in hushed tones.

“Your point?” He threw an arm over Tab’s shoulders, leaned his weight against him and whispered into his ear. “You’re acting as if I’m trying to suck you off under the table.”

That broke a laugh from him though he did whisper back. “You need to stop that.”

“Why, am I giving you a hard-on?”

Tab didn’t answer but he did shift in his seat, giving Emmett an affirming glance.

“Well, I’d appreciate it if you put that virility to use for me some time.”

If Tab had meant to respond his words were cut off by the return of the waitress. She said nothing of them suddenly sitting so close so she was either well trained or actually accepting. Emmett did ease up as Tab ordered, turning his attention to his camera.

“What, you brought that in?”Somehow Tab seemed just as nervous about the camera as he’d been about their closeness.

“Of course. I lent it to you so it seems only fair I should get to see what you used it for.”

“Before that, are you just as nervous about other bugs as you are about spiders?"

Emmett frowned, powered on the camera, clicked through the pictures. Aside from a few pictures of himself and a few of the field, it really was all bugs. "Well, if I'd known I never would have let you use it."

"I needed some references." Tab protested. "I thought the next series of clothing I did could be inspired by cool insects."

"Did you not say your line was called Wolf Pack? Furry things sound more appropriate."

"Wolf pack is more about like mindedness and community."

"Uh huh. Not my cup of tea I guess."

"It might be once it's finished. Who knows?" A moment of silence. Tab looked bashful. "I was actually hoping you could do some modeling for the shoot whenever we get there too."

Emmett set the camera aside. "I don't think you can afford me. I have a lot more experience with modeling than photography."

"I'm being serious." Tab leaned forward to look him in the eye. Puppy dog eyes.

Emmett looked away. It felt like ages since he'd done it. Not since everyone told him he should stop. All of it. Everything he found entertaining in his life. It was no wonder he couldn't manage to stay on the wagon. "I'll think about it."

"That's fair. What about a little lesson? Will that cost me extra?"

"A lesson?"

"Yeah, like posing and making the right sort of face. I don't how to look… Uh, you know…"

Emmett's mouth twisted in a thin smirk. "Sexy?"

"Ha, yeah, that."

"I think your face is better made for smiling." He leaned back again in his seat, his arm still resting on Tab's shoulder. "Although, there was that one time…" Emmett tapped a finger to his lips, remembering that early morning.

“Oh, what? You thought I was sexy?”

“When you were freshly out of the shower that one morning.” He touched his thumb and index finger together in an ok sign. “Mmph.”

“Don’t make fun of me.” Tab complained, pouting.

“I’m not lying, I jacked it after you left the room that morning.”

Tab went red-faced again and Emmett had to laugh.

“But if you want some real advice, you should just look at the camera like you’re trying to steal away someone’s lover.” Emmett looked back at Tab again, putting on his ‘photo face’ for added proof.

Tab studied Emmett’s face, his mouth twisted in an awed grin. “I like it when you look at me like that.” He said softly. It looked like he wanted to lean in for another kiss but the waitress was returning with Tab’s order and he leaned away in embarrassment.

It was fine because his own face had grown warm and he would rather Tab did not notice.