what do you mean it's not a booty call?

Dorian's joining the gardening club had caught Finnegan off guard, he couldn't deny that. Even while doing so, he wore a rather silly disguise, said not to tell anyone, and managed to put down the activity several times (though Finn always gently scolded or gave him disappointed looks for this behavior). However. After some of that initial nonchalance and his seeming a little distracted, Dorian had actually… gotten into it. And he was fantastic with it. It made Finn really happy. This was his passion, who he was, and he loved sharing it with those he enjoyed.

Since Dorian had been showing more genuine interest these days, Finn had invited him over, something he'd really needed an excuse for anyway. The Academy gardens were quite spectacular, but Finn couldn't always be as creative and in control of things as he wanted there, not like at home. He had quite a few unique setups and plants in his own cottage and backyard, and thought it'd be fun to show Dorian. Along with that, they'd be having a nice lunch together. Good conversation, good company, some of Finn's favorite things.

Finn was getting together a platter with lemonade, little cucumber sandwiches, and making fresh salsa when his phone gave a cute ding. He paused for a moment, trying to remember which ding sound meant what thing, 'smart' phones were so finicky, before just peeking over at it and seeing the screen had lit up with a text message. From Dorian Crawford! Here soon. Finn smiled to himself and got back to the salsa. When he was done, he set the platter down on the small kitchen table, dipped a chip into the salsa and munched on it, humming with pleasure at the good, healthy food. Finally, he bounced off to wait by the front door, in the living room.

Finn jumped at the knock on the door, excitable, and went to open it before Dorian could even finish his sentence. He grinned big, and gave the other man a hug. "Just Finn is perfectly fine, Dorian! We're not on campus, and I've never been the most formal person. I'm a staff member, but I'm also your friend, dear. Come in, come in, make yourself comfortable, etcetera, my home is your home!" He ushered Dorian in and closed the door again behind him. He stopped briefly to peer at him, gasping softly. "Oh, goodness! Apple pie and potpourri? Lovely! Such wonderful smells from both of those. Let's move to the kitchen, you can set that stuff down and have a snack."

Finn led the way, plopping down into one of the chairs and taking a gulp of lemonade. He gestured for Dorian to sit, too, and gave him an amused look. "That's a very nice blazer you have on, though I hope you'll be taking it off for when we go outside-- I don't imagine you'd be thrilled over getting dirt or grass stains on it, and that's a high risk, pretty boy!"

Dorian seemed a little on the awkward side today. Finnegan wondered to himself, with a touch of concern, if the hugging had been too much. Dorian tended to be pretty openly affectionate and touchy-feely with others, so Finn made the assumption this would be fine. He'd gotten pretty excitable about actually having him over off campus! Maybe it was because of his being a staff member, and so much older? He'd be more careful next time. "You don't need a 'sir', either, dear," he chuckled. "I'm sorry, though, I won't pressure you into anything. Call me whatever you like, really."

Finn watched Dorian test the food, and clapped his hands together a little when he so visibly enjoyed it. "Yes! I put together the best food when it's summer, and all my favorite recipes are in season." He took bites of salsa and rested his chin in a palm, elbow on the table, very relaxed. Dorian wasn't. Was it the setting? His home was pretty down to earth, in the literal sense, and not all that glamorous.

"Ah, you know, I'd offer some of my work clothes for you to borrow, but I'm not certain if the sizing would fit you. Take off whatever you can't risk having non-sparkly." He gestured to the salsa. "The tomato plants I made this from, I'm showing you them for sure, they're beautiful this year. I know I keep rambling about tomatoes to everyone, but really, you'll understand when you see them. I think it's the new type of soil they're in? I haven't changed much in my routine otherwise. And the sunflowers! They're so tall, I'm quite proud." A proud plant father, no doubt about it.

"I'm good, Dorian! The year's been treating me kindly, and club festival is exciting, always been a favorite of mine. Oh, and, I have an extremely short trip to Greece coming up soon, do you want me to bring anything back for you? I know I'm grabbing some simple souvenirs for some coworkers, and philosophy books for my old teacher."

At the question of plans, he paused, humming. "Nothing overly fancy, I think we'll be giving garden tours, answering questions, and showing off projects. Did you have thoughts on it? I know how much you like planning for these kinds of things. What'll you be doing in Political Alliance?"