Page 6 of His Plaything

It was easier when Clark took the lead, even if Seth felt like he was fumbling as he tried to follow. Mostly he just wanted Clark to call him good again.

Clark’s lips quirked up, and he nodded at the kitchen table. “Already done for you, I’m afraid.” When Seth looked over, there were indeed two place settings already set.

“Oh,” Seth said. He hadn’t even noticed, too busy with his own spiraling thoughts. He cast about for something else to say. “Did, um, did your granddaughter like her gift?”

Clark smiled at him, and it made Seth feel like he’d finally said something right. “She loved it,” Clark laughed fondly. “It was difficult to wrestle her away from it for Christmas dinner. My son and daughter-in-law have already amassed a wealth of videos. I really must thank you for the excellent suggestion. And again, for doing the assembly.”

Here, Seth felt on firmer ground, and he smiled back. “I’m glad I could help you find something nice for her.”

Clark leaned on the counter, taking up a bit more space. “You will certainly be the one I go to for any future advice involving toys.”

“Sure,” Seth said, but inwardly his mind whirled. Did that mean Clark would maybe be contacting him again in the future? Even if it just was for help with toys or minor repair work, it would… it would be nice to keep being able to see him.

“Are you fond of them yourself?” Clark asked, something about his smile changing. Turning more playful. “Toys?”

“I, uh–” Seth licked his lips. “I like puzzles?”

This time Clark’s chuckle was deeper, richer, and made a shiver run down Seth’s spine. “As do I,” Clark said. “Though I enjoy a good competitive game. I find it much more interesting to play with another person.”

“I-I like games,” Seth said faintly.

“Oh good,” Clark purred, voice low and pleased. “I’d enjoy playing them with you. Maybe we could even bring in some toys to play with as well, hm? Does that sound fun?”

Seth felt desperate and didn’t know why. There was just something about Clark’s voice and–and the suggestive way he was talking– “I don’t know if I’d be much of a challenge for you,” he managed, clutching at the water in his hands.

“Ah, yes,” Clark said. “I do recall you saying you weren’t all that competitive.” His eyes were bright with mirth. “That’s alright, I’m sure you’d still be fun to play with. At my age I’ve learned to savor the game almost as much as the victory. Good things to those that wait, and all that.”

“Yeah,” Seth said, lost. The way Clark was looking at him was making him feel like maybehewas going to be the meal for tonight. Wildly his eyes went to the oven to check that there was actual food still being warmed up.

“Hungry?” Clark asked.

“Smells good.” That wasn’t a lie, the aroma of the turkey was beginning to fill the kitchen.

“It does. Tastes even better. Melt in your mouth good, I promise.” Clark’s hand wrapped around the water bottle and brought it to his mouth. Seth watched him take a long swallow, the column of his throat working.

“The salmon was good last time too,” Seth said dumbly.

Clark smiled, catching Seth’s eye as he set down the glass bottle. “I hope you’ll find tonight equally as satisfying.”

Seth knew he had to be blushing, and he wanted to flee to the bathroom to splash his face with water. Clark was just making conversation, and Seth was letting his imagination run away with him.

“I’m sure I will. Lydia’s a good cook.”

“She is. I only get the best.”

Seth nodded. He felt foolish the way their conversations kept tripping him up. He’d never had so much trouble just getting words out. “It must be nice to do that– to be able to hire professionals.”

Clark’s head tilted, as though Seth had said something curious.

“I-I just mean, like, that’s cool to be able to pay a person's salary?”

He had the intense urge then to turn around and leave, walk out into the snow and faceplant into the cold. His cheeks colored further with embarrassment. Why couldn't he just be normal?

Clark huffed a small laugh. “Thank you. Mostly I’m just a man driven to succeed, who can’t be bothered to fumble through things I’ve no experience with. It’s always seemed like a smart business decision to outsource certain tasks so I could focus on what matters to me.”

Seth let out a breath, relieved at least that Clark wasn’t making fun of him.

Then the oven beeped, and their food was ready.

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