likesthecoat | your eyes only

I just don't know. I don't know how to answer any of those questions.

Some days I think I would be willing to give it all up and start all over somewhere, anywhere, Cardiff or wherever. But I'm afraid I'd be miserable, and that I'd make you miserable.

I think I'd be okay with being out, because I'm not ashamed of this, I've just never been able to tell anyone who actually knew me or wanted to know me. It seems like not having that hanging over my head would be a relief after all this time. I'm used to being discriminated against. Some people see the uniform and feel respect, but a lot of people see it and feel disgust.

I'll see what I can do about scheduling leave. It might be a while, but I am trying, because I really do want to see if we've got something here. Because I think we might, and that scares the fuck out of me.

So you see how it is, don't you? Being with a partner always changes one's life but this would change everything for you.

And when I think about there's a lot less for me to lose than you: my job isn't dependent on my sexuality and my family has accepted it, and you know most of my friends already and I doubt they'd be that surprised if we told them we were together.

But. I think we have something too. It scares me too, but more in the way that a roller coaster scares me than, say, someone pointing a gun at me.

I'm just no good at dealing with hypotheticals. I want to know for sure if it'd be worth it. I want to know for sure if we'd be happy. I don't like wondering. And I know that's not how these things work.

What did that song say? "I'd rather be working for a paycheck than waiting to win the lottery?" This feels like waiting to win the lottery sometimes.

I'm not scared because of the possible consequences (well, not entirely). I'm scared because I've never really done this with a guy before. Had a relationship, I mean, if that's what this is.

We'll never know until we give it a try. That's why I think we should start small--working for the paycheck, as it were. If you give up everything now, that's a big risk and one I can't ask you to take. But a week or two? That's where we start. And if it doesn't work out, you'll go back to your life and I'll go back to mine and we'll go back to having quizwars and joking about coffee.

And if it does work out, then the real adventure begins.

I forget sometimes that the rest of the world doesn't work the same way as it does out here. Not everything is split-second life-changing decisions. I forget that I'm allowed to take time to think about things, to work it out, see what's right.

So, starting small, yes? I can do that.

This is one decision that can and should be made slowly.

I'll stop poking you about shore leave. Just . . . sooner rather than later, please.

Yeah, I know. I'm just not used to having that luxury.

I really am working on it. Believe me, I'm as anxious as you are.

Knowing that you're anxious shouldn't make me so happy, but it does.

See? There was something I could do to make you happy.

Yes. Saying you want me has that effect. I'm a man of simple needs.

I'll keep that in mind. And if you ever need reminding, I'm always happy to tell you I want you.

And use the tongue icon, of course.

Well, if you insist.

Hello.

Hi there.

Come here often?

Only when I notice a really hot guy in the window.

Ah . . . someone's caught your fancy, then.

Oh yeah. Tall guy. Dark hair. Really cute smile.

Lucky bloke.

Lucky me.

*laughs* I can't very well say "yes, you are," can I?

Why not?

Because it's poor breeding?

Or it shows self-confidence. And makes you agreeable.

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