Take Me Upstairs

Hawk's apartment had five worn-out grey concrete steps leading to the front entrance.
The door, which opened with a key, showed a small pane of frosted glass surrounded by painted wood with more layers of paint than anybody could count.
The sight of Skippy resting against the metal railing came as a surprise to Hawk.
As soon as Skippy saw Hawk come from the opposite side of the street, he straightened up.
Although the temperature was cool, Skippy was wearing his typical plaid jacket, and his glasses again were on the verge of dropping off his nose.
“Take me upstairs,” he said, looking desperate.
“Take me upstairs,” he begged.
Hawk knew what the undertone of the phrase ‘take me upstairs’ meant.
It meant — control me in whatever sexual way that you desire.
It meant — I love you.
But no — he could not take this man he loved upstairs.
He longed for it as much also—but he could not allow it to take place.
He had to consider his job situation and the possibility that someone might see him inviting a man inside.
Instead, he stepped back and pronounced, “I’m going to ask Lucy Smith to marry me tomorrow night.”
Skippy's lips clenched, and he chewed on his bottom lip.
He blinked his eyes many times in an effort to prevent the tears.
Skippy quickly turned on his heels and began walking, and as his form faded, it seemed probable that Hawk had lost Skippy.