Henry knew that someday, Sterling would be able to afford everything he wanted and then some. He knew that his boyfriend had high hopes for his career and Henry supported him in every way possible. He wanted him to succeed because he knew that would make Sterling happy. Yes, he could just give Sterling whatever he wanted, but he knew that it meant so much more to Sterling if he was able to achieve it himself. Now that Henry knew he had money, he wanted to send Sterling to France to attend a fancy cooking school. He wanted to enhance his gifts and really give him the tools to be a successful restaurant owner one day. He wanted to help Sterling achieve his dreams and that meant so much to him.

As they discussed what the rain would do for Henry's desires, Henry's cheeks were bright red. It wasn't that he was embarrassed that he loved Sterling that much, he was just trying so hard to respect Sterling's wishes to take things slow. As much as his body was begging to feel Sterling again, he knew that he had to find a way to control himself. This was what Sterling wanted and damnit, Henry was going to give it to him.

Sterling's words caused not only more redness in his cheeks, but also a smile. It was always nice to know that Sterling enjoyed looking at him as much he loved looking at Sterling. As his lips pressed to Henry's, he deepened the kiss, yearning for so much more but knowing he would have to settle for a kiss here and there. "I can tell you right now I've never doubted that. I think you are the most genuine, handsome, and fucking sexy man I've ever known. I just can't help that my dick likes to take over. I'm trying, Sterling, I really am." He genuinely felt bad that he couldn't control his desires as much as he wanted to. He wished there was an on/off switch so he could just flip it however he needed to. But life wasn't that simple so he tried the best he knew how.

Sterling's second set of words about starting to ease anything should have made Henry heave a steady sigh of relief. But Henry knew it was a double edged sword. He knew that with each increase in intimacy, it would be that much harder to control his desires. Not to mention, he didn't want Sterling to feel pressured. "Don't feel like you need to be pressured into anything. I don't want to rush into things if you aren't ready." And he meant it. If that meant he had to jack off for another year or two, he would. He wanted this to be completely at Sterling's mercy.

As they entered the Japanese gardens, Henry had to walk quickly to keep up with Sterling. He knew his boyfriend would love seeing all the beautiful plants and flowers. While he wasn't big on plants, he knew Sterling was. He hoped Sterling was enjoying himself...though there was little doubt that he was. Watching the excitement build as Sterling went from one plant to the next was enough to make Henry love the boy even more. He swelled with pride knowing that he had been the one to lead Sterling to such an excited state.

And just when they were beginning to see the last bit of the gardens, the heavens opened up and it began to pour. The rain was cold on his skin and in seconds, their clothes were soaked. And just like Henry had feared, seeing every outline of Sterling's body was enough to make the desire stir within Henry. The way Sterling's muscles moved beneath his t-shirt was enough to rev him up. And just like he had predicted, he couldn't stop the desires that overcame him. Deep within his trousers an erection was on the cusp of showing. He was trying to contain himself...for Sterling's sake. "We should probably head home. I didn't bring any umbrellas and I can't have you catching a cold." He held his hand out for Sterling to take before he led them through the back exit of the gardens and towards their apartment, forgetting all about the picnic basket that he left at the entrance. Oh well, it was replaceable...Sterling's health was not.