Post by phanny on Jan 24, 2016 17:46:11 GMT
Den:
Fuck, it's cold. Even with a wool sweater, a knitted cap (that I made, by the way!), fitted jeans, a heavy jacket, it's freezing. The one person that is registered with Uber is now on a first name basis with me. Tonight? He's dropping me off at the Salty Lick bar or whatever it's called. As much as I find that house warm and comforting, I need to get out of it. I'm going stir crazy. Besides, I need a break from my computer, too. Online blogging can be a bore just as much as any other job.
The crowd in the bar looks all the same to me. Familiar faces and a lot of them. I guess no one else has anything else to do on a Saturday during the dead of winter.
Lovely.
I walk over to the booth I had occupied the other night and slide in, unzipping my jacket and shedding it off by rolling my shoulders back. Almost immediately, I withdrawal a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. My eyes shift over to the bar and then back down to the table as I lite the end of my cigarette.
Ren:
It's been a slow day and so I have an overload of energy to spend, I actually thought of heading to Hastings and just checking things out for myself, but seeing Den walk in's given me other ideas. "Are you crazy, put that out, you know there's no smoking indoors in Kansas." I laugh as I set the menu down before him and grin. "Hi, by the way, I can't believe that you're still in town, your car must be all kinds of messed up." I seem to be in a good mood, I even slide into the seat across from Den for a minute.
Den:
"God, damnit." I mutter to myself as it dangles out between my lips, tapping the cigarette out before I slide it back into my pack. "Hello to you too."
My tone changes from annoyed to a friendly one in mere seconds. "And hello to you too, stranger. Yeah, my car." Sighing, I look down at the menu and, of course, nothing has changed. Lovely. Same ol' selection. "It needs a new engine block and guess who has to get money transferred into my checking account?
"Yes, you guessed correctly, me." I don't disclose that my father will be depositing the amount into the account, but hey- who needs all those details, anyway? "So, in the mean time, I guess I'll be hanging out around town for a minute.
"Or a few more days, most likely." Without missing a beat, I hand the menu back over to him and glance over to the bar, then back to Ren who is sitting across the table from me. There's something about him tonight that I hadn't seen before, though I'm not able to pin it at this very moment. "Grilled cheese with wine, like before. The grilled cheese was divine."
I offer him a toothy, flirty smile. "I'm sure a guy like you has big plans after his shift is over, hmm?"
Ren:
"A new engine? Wouldn't it just be cheaper to get a used car?" Though I suppose I don't know much about cars, I'm hoping the local mechanic isn't screwing this guy over. "Maybe you should get a second opinion about your car, get it towed to Hastings and see what they say." Small town people sometimes don't have the best intentions towards strangers or tourists and think they can pull one over their eyes.
I almost blush at the flirty grin his gives me and I say almost because I'm a bit flushed as it is from running around and really I'm not so closeted that any cute boy smiling at me get's me out of sorts. so I smile back and shake my head. "Was just going to go see if Elijah was free to hang out." I shrug and slip out of the booth. "Anyway, grilled cheese and wine coming up." And with that I go back to my rounds.
Den:
"Not a bad idea at all, though I doubt this town has too many varieties in terms of car makers." I should have stuck with a Japanese car instead of going with an American model. I might be able to convince my father to finance the car if I tell him I'll go with a Japanese vehicle. Yes, that's a brilliant idea.
"I don't think Eli was home when I left prior to coming out here." There was a hint of disappointment mixed with a slight victory with that answer. I suppress the urge to smirk, but I smile instead. "Okay, I'll wait here."
Ren:
I do my rounds, picking up dirty glasses and beer bottles, delivering new drinks and fresh baskets of pork rinds and peanuts and other meals already ordered and finally after a little while I return to Den's table setting his fancy grilled cheese with a bit more veggies on the side and his glass of white wine. I slide into the other side and sigh. "Slow night, guess there must be something interesting on the television tonight." I perch my chin on the heel of my hand and look around a bit.
"Hastings had things to do, it's only an hour north of here, they have all kinds of shops and dealerships, though most of that would be close by the time my shift is over but maybe the theater will have something on." I pull out my iphone and start looking for show times in Hastings. "If you wanna go with me, that is." I sort of glance at him, from under my lashes, just briefly.
Den:
"Well, I don't want to take time away from you and Eli, if he's able to hang out and all." Snickering, I look down to my gorgeous grilled cheese with veggies, and quickly take a long sip of wine from the glass. I let that sink in for a moment before I look up to Ren- my face flushing- with a grin. "You won't get in trouble for staying out late, huh?"
Under the table, my feet brushes up against Ren's, maybe by mistake, or maybe a flirtish move.
"And if we're going to go see a movie, I'll pay for your ticket; since you're driving and all. It's only fair, right?"
Ren:
"Well, seems cruel to leave you without anything to do on a Saturday night, you must be sick of this place." I don'Mt move my foot, wondering briefly if it was an accident, but also wondering if we are both sorta sending the same signals here. "You're paying? Great, it's a date." I didn't mean to say it like that, I mean not a date date, even if that's what it is, like, informally. I clear my throat and glance to the bar. Jacob's been busy lately with this woman that's come out of nowhere, they just talk and not always calmly.
I look back to Den and shrug with a smile. "It's fine, I don't usually sleep until the wee hours anyway, I'm a night owl." I push my phone over to him to show him what cinema in Hastings we would go to and what we could see.
Den:
My foot repeats the same motion again- maybe this time Ren will play along with me. Or not.
"Yes, I'd consider it a date, too." My smile reflects Ren's as I take his phone in my hand, looking down at our options. As I do this, I'm careful to make sure my fingers brush against his. "Okay, the 10:45, Star Wars, showing sounds good.
"Maybe we can go out for drinks after?" There's a hint of hope in my question to him, but my batting eyes would make it so difficult for Ren to say no to me. "When can we leave?"
Ren:
I don't play along, but I don't move my foot, I've never done stuff like that before and in fact this would be my first actual date. Ever. With anyone. "Star Wars..sounds good, never seem them before, I read mixed reviews." I was never much of a movie nerd, I had other things to occupy my mind, like work and books and travel and not every country I have lived in even had access to things like movies.
The brush of his fingers against mine sends a shiver of anticipation down my back and I self consciously check over at the bar to see if my dad is watching, that would be an embarrassment I don't need.
"Drinks? Um..thing is, I'm not 21, no one's asked so I work here, but I don't mix the drinks and stuff, no bar will let me in without checking ID and I don't have a fake one." It's a wonder I have an ID at all, but I suppose my father is well connected, until we moved here, I didn't exist at all, I wasn't even born in this country. "Lame, I know." I smile a bit and then shrug. "I can go, it takes an hour to get there anyway, it's a slow night, I'm sure the boss won't mind, he's been more relaxed lately on what I can and cannot do, I think he's trying to make up for a life of living on the road with strict rules."
Den:
Well, it can be a stand alone film. It's pretty good; this will be my third time viewing it." I shoot Ren a 'dont judge me look' before handing his phone back to him. I don't pay attention to Ren's insecurities about who is looking at us and who isn't. Is that selfish of me? Yes, of course. I don't live nor work here.
"I get carded all the time, so you'd be carded, no doubt. Hmm." Biting my lower lip, I glance down to my hands and then look back up to Ren with a grin. "We can still get into a club, though. They admit 18 and over, but you'll get your hand stamped or something, so you don't get drinks.
"Have you ever been dancing?" This kid is so damned cute. He can't drink, hasn't been out to clubs or anything like that before. I wonder if this is his first date, too. So adorable. So gullible. I love it. "If that isn't up your alley either, we can just get a hotel room or something up there, then go car shopping in the morning?"
Shit, if we're not drinking tonight, I need to finish this wine.
Ren:
"I'be heard of you geeky fanboys, though I don't think I'd ever met one." I tease, I suppose I would be the same given a similar upbringing. "I don't mind seeing it with you, you'll just have to explain to me what I don't understand." I get up a moment to walk to the bar, telling my father that I'm going out, I actually spend quite a lot of time reassuring him that everything is fine, he's used to me vanishing all night, I'll be with someone this time, just having some fun.
Finally I return and take a deep breath. "My dad's an ogre sometimes, but it's cool, I don't exactly need permission, but he worries, you know?" I sit back and chuckle then go through my phone again. "You know, I don't know if Hastings has a club, I mean it's bigger than Lebanon, but it's no New York city." I sort of balk when he mentions hotel rooms and staying overnight but I swallow that thought and just nod. "You can always grab a bottle of something and take it back to your hotel room." Not assuming that we'd stay on the same room.
Den:
"All parents worry, Ren. Mine is always texting me during this road trip of mine." One last bite finishes the grilled cheese.
"I'm sure we'll find somewhere to spend time after the movie." Another long sip from the wine glass finishes it off. My face starts to flush red as the alcohol takes it toll. I pull-out my wallet and place a $20 next to the plate and stand, sliding my heavy coat over my lanky arms. "Well, let's go if we're going. Don't want to miss the movie."
That and I need to finish that damn cigarette.
Ren:
I stand and fairly bounce I'm so..happy, I suppose. Excited. Anticipating. "Alright, I have to go to the house, get a few things and I'll bring the car over, just wait out front, you look like you're jonesing for a smoke anyway." With a last grin I head through the back, the house and bar are connected so I don't have to go far and besides, I can't just go as I am if I'd sleeping in a hotel, so I get clothes and stuff and a bag and my wallet of course and my phone charger.
It's when I drop that bag in the trunk of the car that I realize what I'm doing. I take a deep breath and just talk it out with myself. This is okay, it's normal, it's a date, dates are good, you've been wanting to go on a date, the commitment is low, he's not going to be in town for long, so if things go bad, you never have to see him again, so it's a great first date. Right. I get into the car and bring it around to the front of the bar already warming up as I wait for Den to finish his smoke.
The drive went well, there was nothing much to talk about in the car, I asked a few questions and he asked a few questions, most of which I avoided in some way, spinning around the truth because I don't really want to lie to people, but the truth is difficult and not for random strangers I have hardly known more than a few days. I wouldn't even tell Elijah at this point. So mundane conversations and listening to music on my phone's Spotify once I plug it into the car makes it for a pleasant drive.
Once in Hastings I head for the theater, we come in from the south and head north, I know what to look for thanks to my GPS, there is no traffic, most stores are already closed, it's way past nine and we'll make it just in time for the movie. It's pretty much an exciting blur from there until we are seated just as the movie starts, somewhere in the back row where it's a little more..private.
Den:
The drive up to Hastings were uneventful. Our conversations were mundane, but insightful. These types of conversations were important to 'break the ice' with another person because it allowed us to develop a sense of comfort with the person. After we were arrived in the theater, we sat along the back row. Thankfully, the crowd was fairly thin for such a late showing. I take my place next to Ren and lean back, my foot brushing up against his. I leave the arm rest for Ren, but once he uses it, I nestle my arm under his, so my hand can eagerly rest on his thigh.
This type of behavior continued through the entire film. Once the credits started to roll, I had to 'adjust' myself before standing up. I give Ren a devilish grin while I place my heavy winter coat back on, shaking my head at him. "So, what did ya think of the movie?"
I take lead on walking down the steps out of the theater and into the lobby, then to the parking lot. "Did you want to try a club or something? Or maybe just retire for the night at that motel down the main road? You know, the one we saw coming into town."
Ren:
I'm enjoying myself so far and all the little attentions he's been giving me make me feel slightly light-headed. But that's not a bad feeling. I remain very close to him as we head back to the car, it's cold outside, it's so late, I'm a bit tired and just want to snuggle up and get warm again. "I liked the movie, I'm going to have to see all the others, though." A Star Wars marathon? I wonder if Elijah would enjoy that. I duck my head a moment, a bit embaressed for even thinking of Elijah at a time like this.
"There are no clubs, Den, just a few country bars and a sports bar, no dancing save line dancing." I could not even imagine Den wearing cowboy boots and line dancing. "Yeehaw.." I laugh and unlock the car which was already running, it should be warm by now anyway. "Let's just check in, though if you still want a drink, there are convenience stores open, they have stuff."
Den:
"Yeehaw? Oh, no. No way." Laughing at the thought of it, I open the passenger door and step into the car, quickly shutting it. I start to rub my hands together and I turn to look over to Ren, raising a brow. "Yeah, we can just get a room and call it an evening. I don't have to drink. Just thought it'd be an option, you know?"
There was a moment when I wanted to lean into him and plant one on those beautiful, plump lips of his, but I hesitate. The moment has passed. Maybe they're be another moment later tonight.
Our trip to the motel doesn't take long. I ask Ren to stay in the car while I book the room. Once that's finished, I hop back into the car and we drive around to the back of the building. After a couple of minutes, we're in a room that looks like it hasn't been updated since the early 1990s. Ah well, it'll work, right? Oh, and there's only one bed.
"Well, this is it. Lemme brush my teeth." It doesn't take me long to shed the heavy coat and toss it in the chair in the far corner. I reach into the inner pocket and withdrawal a toothbrush with toothpaste then disappear into the bathroom. After finishing, I return to the main room and look over to Ren with an arched eyebrow, glancing over to the bed, then back to him. "I'm still kind of cold. Want to lay on the bed with me to get me warm?
"Please?" With a slow head tilt, I await his answer with a shy grin.
Ren:
I'm a bit slow sometimes, so Den will have to forgive me because as I set my bag on the bed, I just stare at it a long moment. It's only when Den returns from the rooms washroom that I say the first thing that comes to mind, despite his attempts at being cute and lure me to bed with him. "Um, Den, there's just one bed." Overstating the obvious. I stare at him like a dear in headlights until my brain finally catches up, clearly this is a first for me. "Oh.." Oh my Lucifer. (This is what Jacob says, force of habit)
I am blushing furiously and I turn away to remove the coat I still have on and my boots. I even forget that he asked me a question, I just want to bury my head in the sand or something, what do I do? "I should..uhh..wash up a bit." I grab my bag, clutching it to me like it could be a barrier between us.
Den:
"Yeah, I know there's only one bed. That's all they had left, I'm afraid." I yawn, my arms stretching up to towards the ceiling as I lie about it. I'm sure they had plenty of double beds in vacant rooms. There weren't that many vehicles in the parking lot.
"Alright, I'll wait here." I blink at his statement and look away, grinning. I'm willing to bet anyone a bottle of Coke that Ren hasn't been with anyone. Ever. Poor kid. Good thing he has me to show him the ropes, right?
As Ren heads into the bathroom, I pull back the covers and kick off my boots, sliding under the sheets, only to pull them over me again. Without too much effort, I remove my knitted cap and toss it over towards my coat in the chair, then glance over to the bathroom . . . waiting on Ren.
Ren:
I come back out after a few minutes and a long talk with myself, cleaned up and in what I plan to sleep in, which is a t-shirt and boxers. (the boxers have lil cherubic devils on them) I glance over to the bed already containing Den and I walk over, turning off the lights as I go and plugging in my phone before climbing onto the bed and I sit there a long moment before looking at him. "You must think that I'm such a drag.." I laugh a bit. Wholly uncomfortable right now, but only because I'm nervous and intimidated, this is certainly not Den's first drive around the track and really I hadn't planned or expected this. That said, I'm not..averse to this, just terrified.
"You sure?" What am I talking about, seems that he's been tossing hints my way for hours now that this is exactly what he wanted, I've not been that oblivious. Just avoiding the subject. I'd already settled on perhaps getting together with Den, should the opportunity arise and I already knew why. I smile a him a bit, definitely less jumpy than I was before.
Den:
Despite my desire to want to go out and get drunk and dance, once I hit the pillow and slide under the warm sheets, I think this decision was all the wiser. Slowly, I look over to Ren who is prepared for a full night's slumber. And me? Well, I still need to remove some articles of clothing . . ..
"Yeah, I'm sure I want you next to me." My voice was reassuring, as was the smile that curled across my lips. "Come here and keep me warm."
I extend a hand out to him; my fingers waving, motioning for him to slide under the sheets with me. Once Ren takes my hand, I gently pull him in. I continue to smile up towards him as he descends into the bed with me, my dark eyes looking up to him and my jet black hair, though messy, falling into place. Once Ren is under the sheets, I curl up next to him; my right arm resting across his chest and my right leg curling up over his thighs.
"You know, I need to take a few things off. I'd hate to get over-heated." Yawning, I sit up in the bed and both hands reach down to the bottom of my gray wool sweater and tug upward, pulling it off to reveal my perfectly smooth, lean chest. After that, the button and zipper of my pants are undone and soon, they join my sweater on the floor next to the bed. My hands do all the work while my eyes lock into Ren, gauging his reaction. I curl back up against him, closing my eyes as I take advantage of his warm body.
"See, that isn't so awful, is it?"
Ren:
I do take his hand and let him pull me close as I get comfy under the sheets, though I tense a bit as he starts stripping, but I force myself to relax, this is okay, it's actually nice and Den is nice and hot and I like that. I smile and nod. "It's nice." What an odd sensation, having someone else's legs tangled with yours. I even move in closer once he's done moving around, leaning into him, almost nose to nose.
"Your toes are cold." I laugh and trap his feet between my legs, I run hot, always have. "I had fun tonight, we'll have to do this again before you leave." With that I lean in and nuzzle my chin against his jaw and sigh contentedly.
Fuck, it's cold. Even with a wool sweater, a knitted cap (that I made, by the way!), fitted jeans, a heavy jacket, it's freezing. The one person that is registered with Uber is now on a first name basis with me. Tonight? He's dropping me off at the Salty Lick bar or whatever it's called. As much as I find that house warm and comforting, I need to get out of it. I'm going stir crazy. Besides, I need a break from my computer, too. Online blogging can be a bore just as much as any other job.
The crowd in the bar looks all the same to me. Familiar faces and a lot of them. I guess no one else has anything else to do on a Saturday during the dead of winter.
Lovely.
I walk over to the booth I had occupied the other night and slide in, unzipping my jacket and shedding it off by rolling my shoulders back. Almost immediately, I withdrawal a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. My eyes shift over to the bar and then back down to the table as I lite the end of my cigarette.
Ren:
It's been a slow day and so I have an overload of energy to spend, I actually thought of heading to Hastings and just checking things out for myself, but seeing Den walk in's given me other ideas. "Are you crazy, put that out, you know there's no smoking indoors in Kansas." I laugh as I set the menu down before him and grin. "Hi, by the way, I can't believe that you're still in town, your car must be all kinds of messed up." I seem to be in a good mood, I even slide into the seat across from Den for a minute.
Den:
"God, damnit." I mutter to myself as it dangles out between my lips, tapping the cigarette out before I slide it back into my pack. "Hello to you too."
My tone changes from annoyed to a friendly one in mere seconds. "And hello to you too, stranger. Yeah, my car." Sighing, I look down at the menu and, of course, nothing has changed. Lovely. Same ol' selection. "It needs a new engine block and guess who has to get money transferred into my checking account?
"Yes, you guessed correctly, me." I don't disclose that my father will be depositing the amount into the account, but hey- who needs all those details, anyway? "So, in the mean time, I guess I'll be hanging out around town for a minute.
"Or a few more days, most likely." Without missing a beat, I hand the menu back over to him and glance over to the bar, then back to Ren who is sitting across the table from me. There's something about him tonight that I hadn't seen before, though I'm not able to pin it at this very moment. "Grilled cheese with wine, like before. The grilled cheese was divine."
I offer him a toothy, flirty smile. "I'm sure a guy like you has big plans after his shift is over, hmm?"
Ren:
"A new engine? Wouldn't it just be cheaper to get a used car?" Though I suppose I don't know much about cars, I'm hoping the local mechanic isn't screwing this guy over. "Maybe you should get a second opinion about your car, get it towed to Hastings and see what they say." Small town people sometimes don't have the best intentions towards strangers or tourists and think they can pull one over their eyes.
I almost blush at the flirty grin his gives me and I say almost because I'm a bit flushed as it is from running around and really I'm not so closeted that any cute boy smiling at me get's me out of sorts. so I smile back and shake my head. "Was just going to go see if Elijah was free to hang out." I shrug and slip out of the booth. "Anyway, grilled cheese and wine coming up." And with that I go back to my rounds.
Den:
"Not a bad idea at all, though I doubt this town has too many varieties in terms of car makers." I should have stuck with a Japanese car instead of going with an American model. I might be able to convince my father to finance the car if I tell him I'll go with a Japanese vehicle. Yes, that's a brilliant idea.
"I don't think Eli was home when I left prior to coming out here." There was a hint of disappointment mixed with a slight victory with that answer. I suppress the urge to smirk, but I smile instead. "Okay, I'll wait here."
Ren:
I do my rounds, picking up dirty glasses and beer bottles, delivering new drinks and fresh baskets of pork rinds and peanuts and other meals already ordered and finally after a little while I return to Den's table setting his fancy grilled cheese with a bit more veggies on the side and his glass of white wine. I slide into the other side and sigh. "Slow night, guess there must be something interesting on the television tonight." I perch my chin on the heel of my hand and look around a bit.
"Hastings had things to do, it's only an hour north of here, they have all kinds of shops and dealerships, though most of that would be close by the time my shift is over but maybe the theater will have something on." I pull out my iphone and start looking for show times in Hastings. "If you wanna go with me, that is." I sort of glance at him, from under my lashes, just briefly.
Den:
"Well, I don't want to take time away from you and Eli, if he's able to hang out and all." Snickering, I look down to my gorgeous grilled cheese with veggies, and quickly take a long sip of wine from the glass. I let that sink in for a moment before I look up to Ren- my face flushing- with a grin. "You won't get in trouble for staying out late, huh?"
Under the table, my feet brushes up against Ren's, maybe by mistake, or maybe a flirtish move.
"And if we're going to go see a movie, I'll pay for your ticket; since you're driving and all. It's only fair, right?"
Ren:
"Well, seems cruel to leave you without anything to do on a Saturday night, you must be sick of this place." I don'Mt move my foot, wondering briefly if it was an accident, but also wondering if we are both sorta sending the same signals here. "You're paying? Great, it's a date." I didn't mean to say it like that, I mean not a date date, even if that's what it is, like, informally. I clear my throat and glance to the bar. Jacob's been busy lately with this woman that's come out of nowhere, they just talk and not always calmly.
I look back to Den and shrug with a smile. "It's fine, I don't usually sleep until the wee hours anyway, I'm a night owl." I push my phone over to him to show him what cinema in Hastings we would go to and what we could see.
Den:
My foot repeats the same motion again- maybe this time Ren will play along with me. Or not.
"Yes, I'd consider it a date, too." My smile reflects Ren's as I take his phone in my hand, looking down at our options. As I do this, I'm careful to make sure my fingers brush against his. "Okay, the 10:45, Star Wars, showing sounds good.
"Maybe we can go out for drinks after?" There's a hint of hope in my question to him, but my batting eyes would make it so difficult for Ren to say no to me. "When can we leave?"
Ren:
I don't play along, but I don't move my foot, I've never done stuff like that before and in fact this would be my first actual date. Ever. With anyone. "Star Wars..sounds good, never seem them before, I read mixed reviews." I was never much of a movie nerd, I had other things to occupy my mind, like work and books and travel and not every country I have lived in even had access to things like movies.
The brush of his fingers against mine sends a shiver of anticipation down my back and I self consciously check over at the bar to see if my dad is watching, that would be an embarrassment I don't need.
"Drinks? Um..thing is, I'm not 21, no one's asked so I work here, but I don't mix the drinks and stuff, no bar will let me in without checking ID and I don't have a fake one." It's a wonder I have an ID at all, but I suppose my father is well connected, until we moved here, I didn't exist at all, I wasn't even born in this country. "Lame, I know." I smile a bit and then shrug. "I can go, it takes an hour to get there anyway, it's a slow night, I'm sure the boss won't mind, he's been more relaxed lately on what I can and cannot do, I think he's trying to make up for a life of living on the road with strict rules."
Den:
Well, it can be a stand alone film. It's pretty good; this will be my third time viewing it." I shoot Ren a 'dont judge me look' before handing his phone back to him. I don't pay attention to Ren's insecurities about who is looking at us and who isn't. Is that selfish of me? Yes, of course. I don't live nor work here.
"I get carded all the time, so you'd be carded, no doubt. Hmm." Biting my lower lip, I glance down to my hands and then look back up to Ren with a grin. "We can still get into a club, though. They admit 18 and over, but you'll get your hand stamped or something, so you don't get drinks.
"Have you ever been dancing?" This kid is so damned cute. He can't drink, hasn't been out to clubs or anything like that before. I wonder if this is his first date, too. So adorable. So gullible. I love it. "If that isn't up your alley either, we can just get a hotel room or something up there, then go car shopping in the morning?"
Shit, if we're not drinking tonight, I need to finish this wine.
Ren:
"I'be heard of you geeky fanboys, though I don't think I'd ever met one." I tease, I suppose I would be the same given a similar upbringing. "I don't mind seeing it with you, you'll just have to explain to me what I don't understand." I get up a moment to walk to the bar, telling my father that I'm going out, I actually spend quite a lot of time reassuring him that everything is fine, he's used to me vanishing all night, I'll be with someone this time, just having some fun.
Finally I return and take a deep breath. "My dad's an ogre sometimes, but it's cool, I don't exactly need permission, but he worries, you know?" I sit back and chuckle then go through my phone again. "You know, I don't know if Hastings has a club, I mean it's bigger than Lebanon, but it's no New York city." I sort of balk when he mentions hotel rooms and staying overnight but I swallow that thought and just nod. "You can always grab a bottle of something and take it back to your hotel room." Not assuming that we'd stay on the same room.
Den:
"All parents worry, Ren. Mine is always texting me during this road trip of mine." One last bite finishes the grilled cheese.
"I'm sure we'll find somewhere to spend time after the movie." Another long sip from the wine glass finishes it off. My face starts to flush red as the alcohol takes it toll. I pull-out my wallet and place a $20 next to the plate and stand, sliding my heavy coat over my lanky arms. "Well, let's go if we're going. Don't want to miss the movie."
That and I need to finish that damn cigarette.
Ren:
I stand and fairly bounce I'm so..happy, I suppose. Excited. Anticipating. "Alright, I have to go to the house, get a few things and I'll bring the car over, just wait out front, you look like you're jonesing for a smoke anyway." With a last grin I head through the back, the house and bar are connected so I don't have to go far and besides, I can't just go as I am if I'd sleeping in a hotel, so I get clothes and stuff and a bag and my wallet of course and my phone charger.
It's when I drop that bag in the trunk of the car that I realize what I'm doing. I take a deep breath and just talk it out with myself. This is okay, it's normal, it's a date, dates are good, you've been wanting to go on a date, the commitment is low, he's not going to be in town for long, so if things go bad, you never have to see him again, so it's a great first date. Right. I get into the car and bring it around to the front of the bar already warming up as I wait for Den to finish his smoke.
The drive went well, there was nothing much to talk about in the car, I asked a few questions and he asked a few questions, most of which I avoided in some way, spinning around the truth because I don't really want to lie to people, but the truth is difficult and not for random strangers I have hardly known more than a few days. I wouldn't even tell Elijah at this point. So mundane conversations and listening to music on my phone's Spotify once I plug it into the car makes it for a pleasant drive.
Once in Hastings I head for the theater, we come in from the south and head north, I know what to look for thanks to my GPS, there is no traffic, most stores are already closed, it's way past nine and we'll make it just in time for the movie. It's pretty much an exciting blur from there until we are seated just as the movie starts, somewhere in the back row where it's a little more..private.
Den:
The drive up to Hastings were uneventful. Our conversations were mundane, but insightful. These types of conversations were important to 'break the ice' with another person because it allowed us to develop a sense of comfort with the person. After we were arrived in the theater, we sat along the back row. Thankfully, the crowd was fairly thin for such a late showing. I take my place next to Ren and lean back, my foot brushing up against his. I leave the arm rest for Ren, but once he uses it, I nestle my arm under his, so my hand can eagerly rest on his thigh.
This type of behavior continued through the entire film. Once the credits started to roll, I had to 'adjust' myself before standing up. I give Ren a devilish grin while I place my heavy winter coat back on, shaking my head at him. "So, what did ya think of the movie?"
I take lead on walking down the steps out of the theater and into the lobby, then to the parking lot. "Did you want to try a club or something? Or maybe just retire for the night at that motel down the main road? You know, the one we saw coming into town."
Ren:
I'm enjoying myself so far and all the little attentions he's been giving me make me feel slightly light-headed. But that's not a bad feeling. I remain very close to him as we head back to the car, it's cold outside, it's so late, I'm a bit tired and just want to snuggle up and get warm again. "I liked the movie, I'm going to have to see all the others, though." A Star Wars marathon? I wonder if Elijah would enjoy that. I duck my head a moment, a bit embaressed for even thinking of Elijah at a time like this.
"There are no clubs, Den, just a few country bars and a sports bar, no dancing save line dancing." I could not even imagine Den wearing cowboy boots and line dancing. "Yeehaw.." I laugh and unlock the car which was already running, it should be warm by now anyway. "Let's just check in, though if you still want a drink, there are convenience stores open, they have stuff."
Den:
"Yeehaw? Oh, no. No way." Laughing at the thought of it, I open the passenger door and step into the car, quickly shutting it. I start to rub my hands together and I turn to look over to Ren, raising a brow. "Yeah, we can just get a room and call it an evening. I don't have to drink. Just thought it'd be an option, you know?"
There was a moment when I wanted to lean into him and plant one on those beautiful, plump lips of his, but I hesitate. The moment has passed. Maybe they're be another moment later tonight.
Our trip to the motel doesn't take long. I ask Ren to stay in the car while I book the room. Once that's finished, I hop back into the car and we drive around to the back of the building. After a couple of minutes, we're in a room that looks like it hasn't been updated since the early 1990s. Ah well, it'll work, right? Oh, and there's only one bed.
"Well, this is it. Lemme brush my teeth." It doesn't take me long to shed the heavy coat and toss it in the chair in the far corner. I reach into the inner pocket and withdrawal a toothbrush with toothpaste then disappear into the bathroom. After finishing, I return to the main room and look over to Ren with an arched eyebrow, glancing over to the bed, then back to him. "I'm still kind of cold. Want to lay on the bed with me to get me warm?
"Please?" With a slow head tilt, I await his answer with a shy grin.
Ren:
I'm a bit slow sometimes, so Den will have to forgive me because as I set my bag on the bed, I just stare at it a long moment. It's only when Den returns from the rooms washroom that I say the first thing that comes to mind, despite his attempts at being cute and lure me to bed with him. "Um, Den, there's just one bed." Overstating the obvious. I stare at him like a dear in headlights until my brain finally catches up, clearly this is a first for me. "Oh.." Oh my Lucifer. (This is what Jacob says, force of habit)
I am blushing furiously and I turn away to remove the coat I still have on and my boots. I even forget that he asked me a question, I just want to bury my head in the sand or something, what do I do? "I should..uhh..wash up a bit." I grab my bag, clutching it to me like it could be a barrier between us.
Den:
"Yeah, I know there's only one bed. That's all they had left, I'm afraid." I yawn, my arms stretching up to towards the ceiling as I lie about it. I'm sure they had plenty of double beds in vacant rooms. There weren't that many vehicles in the parking lot.
"Alright, I'll wait here." I blink at his statement and look away, grinning. I'm willing to bet anyone a bottle of Coke that Ren hasn't been with anyone. Ever. Poor kid. Good thing he has me to show him the ropes, right?
As Ren heads into the bathroom, I pull back the covers and kick off my boots, sliding under the sheets, only to pull them over me again. Without too much effort, I remove my knitted cap and toss it over towards my coat in the chair, then glance over to the bathroom . . . waiting on Ren.
Ren:
I come back out after a few minutes and a long talk with myself, cleaned up and in what I plan to sleep in, which is a t-shirt and boxers. (the boxers have lil cherubic devils on them) I glance over to the bed already containing Den and I walk over, turning off the lights as I go and plugging in my phone before climbing onto the bed and I sit there a long moment before looking at him. "You must think that I'm such a drag.." I laugh a bit. Wholly uncomfortable right now, but only because I'm nervous and intimidated, this is certainly not Den's first drive around the track and really I hadn't planned or expected this. That said, I'm not..averse to this, just terrified.
"You sure?" What am I talking about, seems that he's been tossing hints my way for hours now that this is exactly what he wanted, I've not been that oblivious. Just avoiding the subject. I'd already settled on perhaps getting together with Den, should the opportunity arise and I already knew why. I smile a him a bit, definitely less jumpy than I was before.
Den:
Despite my desire to want to go out and get drunk and dance, once I hit the pillow and slide under the warm sheets, I think this decision was all the wiser. Slowly, I look over to Ren who is prepared for a full night's slumber. And me? Well, I still need to remove some articles of clothing . . ..
"Yeah, I'm sure I want you next to me." My voice was reassuring, as was the smile that curled across my lips. "Come here and keep me warm."
I extend a hand out to him; my fingers waving, motioning for him to slide under the sheets with me. Once Ren takes my hand, I gently pull him in. I continue to smile up towards him as he descends into the bed with me, my dark eyes looking up to him and my jet black hair, though messy, falling into place. Once Ren is under the sheets, I curl up next to him; my right arm resting across his chest and my right leg curling up over his thighs.
"You know, I need to take a few things off. I'd hate to get over-heated." Yawning, I sit up in the bed and both hands reach down to the bottom of my gray wool sweater and tug upward, pulling it off to reveal my perfectly smooth, lean chest. After that, the button and zipper of my pants are undone and soon, they join my sweater on the floor next to the bed. My hands do all the work while my eyes lock into Ren, gauging his reaction. I curl back up against him, closing my eyes as I take advantage of his warm body.
"See, that isn't so awful, is it?"
Ren:
I do take his hand and let him pull me close as I get comfy under the sheets, though I tense a bit as he starts stripping, but I force myself to relax, this is okay, it's actually nice and Den is nice and hot and I like that. I smile and nod. "It's nice." What an odd sensation, having someone else's legs tangled with yours. I even move in closer once he's done moving around, leaning into him, almost nose to nose.
"Your toes are cold." I laugh and trap his feet between my legs, I run hot, always have. "I had fun tonight, we'll have to do this again before you leave." With that I lean in and nuzzle my chin against his jaw and sigh contentedly.