There’s enthusiasm and Neil feels this wave of relief that Steve doesn’t need a couple more drinks to be interested. He takes one more steeling sip of his beer. He’s had a couple, just around the apartment while he was keying himself up about all this, but he just feels warm and loose and pleased. Wanted.

He waits for Steve to put his drink down before he leans in to kiss him. Slow at first, but jot quite shy. Investigating without being anxious. It’s different than kissing drunk.