Friends Become More

***Ben's Point of View***

"Excuse me?" I asked the agent at the gate to my flight from Tokyo to New York. "I was wondering if you could please give my seat to the man in the military uniform if he is not in first class."

"That is very kind of you, sir." She said.

"And I'd prefer to just keep it anonymous please."

She smiled. "Of course. Let me just figure out who he is and I'll call him up and upgrade him, then I'll give you the seat he is in."

"Thank you so much."

***

***Alex's Point of View***

I noticed a very cute guy in the waiting area of my flight to New York. His dark brown, almost black hair, with its slight wave, and his sharp jaw instantly hooked my attention. I couldn't get a good look at his eyes, but I bet they're incredible.

Besides a few glances his way, I didn't really think too much about him until he walked up to the gate and started talking to the agent.

Sitting close-by, I paused my music to listen to what he was asking.

Wow, that's really kind of him. Being a veteran myself, it makes me very happy to see someone be so kind to a stranger, especially one in the military. On top of that, he's doing it anonymously, which is another level of kind. He doesn't want any recognition for it, he just wants to do a good thing for someone.

On the plane, I got comfortable in my seat when the handsome guy stopped next to me. Is he sitting next to me? I would not mind that. He put his carry-on in the overhead compartment, giving me a brief glimpse of his very nice lower stomach. He then sat down next to me on my right. Poor guy has a middle seat, but at least it's in the front with a little more leg room.

"Traveling alone as well?" I asked.

"Uh, yeah. Work trip. How about you?"

"Moving back to the US. Do you live in New York?"

"Yes, in the city. How long have you lived in Japan?"

"I was stationed here for two years."

"Oh, are you in the military?" He asked.

"Just got out actually, have a job lined up in the city with the NYPD."

"Thank you for your service." I nodded. "Did you live in the city before Japan?"

"No, I actually grew up in Texas. But my older sister and her husband live in the city and my parents moved to New York to help with their kids."

"Thought I heard the accent." He smiled. "That's nice, that you're gonna move there to be near them."

"What about you. Did you grow up in the city?"

"Yeah. I'm a city kid." He laughed. He has a really pretty smile, wow.

"Nice. And what do you do?" I asked.

"I'm a cardiologist at New York Presbyterian."

"That's awesome, what were you doing in Tokyo?"

"I gave a few lectures and scrubbed in on a few surgeries."

"You must be quite good if you're giving lectures across the world."

His cheeks turned slightly red. "I'm not bad I guess." He said humbly.

"I'm Alex by the way..." I stuck my hand out.

"Ben. Nice to meet you." He shook my hand.

Normally I don't talk to people on planes, not wanting to bother them and just wanting to relax and listen to music, but we ended up talking quite a bit. After our first meal, our conversation slowed and I started watching a movie.

Halfway through the flight, the captain came on the speaker, informing us of a storm on the east coast. We're being diverted to Paris, where we are gonna be for at least 24 hours.

"Ever been to Paris?" I asked Ben.

"No, so I'm not too mad I'll get to spend a day there I guess."

"Same here. Would you maybe want to exchange numbers? We could maybe grab some dinner or breakfast or whatever time it is in Paris right now?"

"Yeah, I'd like that."

We put our numbers in each other's phones. We landed in Paris and checked into the airport hotel the airline was putting everyone up in.

A few minutes after getting to my room, I got a text from Ben.

Hey Alex! Want to meet in the lobby at 5?

Sounds good! See you then!

I took a shower and rummaged through my suitcase to find something to wear. I put on a nice pair of pants and a shirt. I checked myself in the mirror and ended up changing my shirt three times.

Why am I so nervous? I've been talking to him on the plane, he's cool. Besides, it's not like it's a date. We're just hanging out and exploring the city. Besides, I don't even know if he's gay. I think he is, but you can't ever judge a book by its cover. Take me for example. I'm probably the most stereotypically straight gay guy.

***

***Ben's Point of View***

This isn't a date. He's so straight. I mean, he probably isn't into guys, let alone me. We're just gonna be travel buddies for the day. Wow, that sounds weird.

I showered and got dressed, taking too long to pick out my clothes.

I headed down a little early and found him already waiting for me.

When he saw me he broke out into a smile, lighting up his face. I noticed how cute he was right away, in fact I was nervous when I first sat down next to him, but seeing him again made my stomach flip. His smile only added to his good looks. His military haircut, sharp jawline, and big brown eyes on top of his nice, full lips and cute dimples all combined to create his sculpted-by-God-himself face.

Not only is he handsome, he seems to be in very good shape. Not to mention he is at least 6'2, which I don't mind at my 6' height.

"Hey." He smiled as I walked up to him.

"Hey there." I smiled at him.

"Are you hungry or do you want to walk around for a little...?"

"I could eat. I actually searched a few of the must-try places in the city, if it want to try one?"

"Sounds good, let's try one."

We grabbed a taxi and headed away from the airport and into the city. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" I asked.

"It is breathtaking. The city of lights is holding up its namesake."

"You're right, it does."

"I bet it also lives up to its other name." He smiled at me.

I blushed and turned to look out the window, unable to make eye contact with him at that statement.

We got dropped off on one of the most iconic streets. I paid for the taxi, but he insisted on paying for dinner.

"So, which restaurant sounds good to you?" I started. "There's-"

"Why don't you just pick one on this street. I trust you." He said.

"What if it's not good though?"

"We'll have a great story to tell. C'mon, you seem like you love a good list, why don't you let go for a minute?"

"Alright." I put my phone away and looked on both sides of the street, taking in the beautifully lit trees lining the street. "How about that one." I pointed at a nice looking place on the other side.

"Perfect."

Not only did he open the door for me, he pulled my chair out and helped me in.

After dinner we strolled the street, admiring the city and laughing as we went.

"I'm still impressed you speak French." He laughed.

"I was nervous to actually use it, they say the French find it annoying when Americans try." I laughed.

"Any other languages you speak?"

"English." I said bluntly.

"Same here." He retorted jokingly.

"I also speak Spanish and Latin... oh, and Greek. But not Ancient Greek. What about you?"

"Impressive. I know Spanish but that's really it. Oh and I sign."

"I've always wanted to learn how to sign! That's next on my list!"

"I can teach you sign if you teach me French."

"Sounds like a deal." I smiled at him. This seems very date-like, is this a date?

"Wow. Look at that." He stared up at the beautifully lit Eiffel Tower.

"Can't believe I'm seeing it in person..."

"It almost looks fake." He joked.

"It does!" I agreed.

"What me to take a picture of you in front of it?"

"Yeah, thanks." He handed me his phone and I snapped a few photos. "Your turn."

As he took a few of me, a family walked by and asked Alex if we would like to get some together. He looked at me and smiled. "That would be awesome, thank you."

He handed the phone to the mother, then came over towards me. He got close to me, wrapping his arm around my back. The heat of his body warmed my side.

After taking some photos, he took the phone back. "Would y'all like some photos?" He offered.

"That'd be lovely, thank you."

After he took a a bunch of photos of the cute family, they continued on their way.

"Did you hear his accent? So charming too." I overheard the mother say to her twenty-something daughter.

"Yeah, he's just your type." Teased her brother before they left earshot.

I looked at him to see him blush. "Did... did you hear that?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." He covered.

"Apparently you have quite the accent. Oh, and you're charming, too." I teased.

He looked down at his feet, his face beat red. "Ok, maybe I did."

"It must be so tiring being you." He looked at me jokingly with dagger eyes.

We found a bakery and enjoyed some pastries before heading back to the hotel. On the way back, we were notified our flight would leave early the morning after tomorrow.

"Guess we have all day tomorrow..." I said.

"Maybe you should make a schedule, I bet you really want to." He toyed.

"You know what, I think I will. And you'll spend the rest of the flight thanking me for it." I stated.

We spent the whole day together, visiting the Louvre, shopping on the Champs de Elyses, visiting beautiful landmarks, and eating at a cute Parisian café. We managed to get into the Eiffel Tower in the evening, getting to take in the breathtakingly beautiful view of the city, shining bright in the night sky.

"This is really something." He said. Surprising there's nobody near us right now, must be on the other side.

"Too bad we have to leave tomorrow." I said.

"Just means we have to come back..."

"We?" I looked at him, raising my eyebrow.

"I-I mean, ya know what I meant." He blushed, putting his hand on the back of his neck as if in slight distress. "But..." He said. "I, I wouldn't mind if we maybe, if we kept up when we get back?"

"You mean like friends...or like, a date?"

He suddenly got more confident again. He rested his arm on the railing and faced me with a smirk. "Are you asking me on a date?"

"What? You're the one who asked!" I flushed.

"You're the one who said the word!"

"Okay, fine! Yes. Would you like to go out on a date with me?!" I blurted out uncontrollably, trying to get to the point.

He sighed and relaxed his body, breaking into a smile. "I thought you'd never ask." He said calmly, teasing me.

"Screw you." I joked.

"Wow, don't want to go that fast!" He joked. I rolled my eyes and laughed. "I mean, we haven't even gone out yet, unless you count today. And last night. Do you count those?"

"No, because we didn't know it was a date when on it."

"Ah, I see. I see. Sounds like a plan."

"Great." The wind blew and made me shiver.

"Here, take this." He took off his jacket and put it on my shoulders.

"No I'm fine." I objected.

"It's no big deal. I'm always warm."

"Thanks." I put my arms in the sleeves. The warmth on the jacket from his body felt nice.

I looked at him, and his eyes locked on mine. We both smiled, but didn't break eye contact. "You have the most beautiful eyes."

I felt my cheeks go red. "Flattery won't make me like you any more." I declared

He leaned in. "Not even a little?"

"Not even a little. Gotta work harder than that." I leaned in slightly.

"I'll do that." He said quietly. He bridged the gap between us, kissing me softly.

I felt his hand wrap around the small of my back, pulling me in. My hand moved up to grab the side of his neck. I kissed him back, this one was full of passion. I feel butterflies in my stomach, making me feel as if I'm floating.

We broke apart, my lips breaking into a smile. "Is that better?"

"Definitely off to a good start." I smiled. I felt his fingers lock with mine.

***

Landing in New York, we went through immigration and waited for our luggage.

"I see my driver. I had a great time."

"I did too. I'll call you."

"Bye." I said.

"Bye." He smiled.

I headed over to my chauffeur. I turned back to see Alex meeting up with his family, who he hasn't seen in so long. It was nice seeing them reunite.

I saw his parents, his sister and brother-in-law and their kids. There's another guy with them, I'm not sure who he is. He didn't mention a brother.

I started walking out behind my driver towards the car. I gave one more look behind me, seeing something that made my heart sink.

The guy I didn't recognize was kissing Alex.