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 Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 6:36 pm
It was difficult to arrive on time; Samir wanted to be at dinner immediately after leaving. He hadn't felt this giddy or excited about a meal in some time--and to be honest, it had been a long time since he'd had someone over to spend the night. In some ways, it was like being a teenager again. He'd run his errands promptly, but wound up spending more time than necessary trying to figure out what things he should stock his kitchen with for guests.
Party snacks? Beer? Cake?
He bought too much of everything. Except for dog treats, he never seemed to buy enough of them.
He bought movies--more movies than could be watched in an evening, or a weekend.
...But, maybe it just meant Jacob would have to come over more often.
He'd cleaned the house, he'd gotten all his work done.
And then, when it was finally time, he arrived at the Lotus Cove. He'd changed clothes, done his hair, freshened up. He didn't know why it was so important that he look good, but something in the back of his mind told him that he must.
He had parked his car and texted that he arrived. Not shy, he'd made his way to the door and waited just outside, rocking on his heels and playing on his phone, waiting for a text that Jacob was there as well.
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Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 6:49 pm
Jacob had bought some popcorn and several different kinds of powders to sprinkle on top of them, flavorings to make the treat more exciting. He was eager to try the cheddar jalapeno one, and even more excited for the kettle corn seasoning. He had dressed up, braiding his hair with more care than he normally did, taking care to do a small braid weaving through the larger, just to…
To what? Impress Samir?
Something like that maybe.
Maybe…definitely something like that.
He had been sitting in his car for a while, having left work early, and when he got the text that Samir was there, he broke into a pleased smile and hurried out of his own car, locking it behind him and bounding over to the other male with a grin. “Hey! You’re early. It’s been far too long, we need to make plans more often, I think.”
Jacob grinned, hoping that his friend would get the joke and then laughed softly. “…Seriously though. It’s really nice to see you twice in one day, I hope you’re hungry!”
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Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 7:06 pm
As soon as he heard Jacob's voice, he pocketed his phone and looked up, smile on his face. "Famished," he answered, well before he'd had the opportunity to take in Jacob's appearance. "I have to say, I like this outfit much more than your work clothes. Maybe because it's more you."
He couldn't imagine selling insurance--but then, he couldn't imagine being bound to someone else's schedule, someone else's agenda. He couldn't imagine being trapped at a desk, to a phone.
He liked the freedom of the junkyard--the excitement of never knowing what was going to come in. Every day was a little bit of excitement, and sometimes he found the perfect piece for his sculpting, or for a project he wanted to forge.
He was still in a good mood from earlier--and from the prospect of food and company. Even if he'd just seen Jacob, he found himself giving him a look over again.
To make sure he was okay, of course. To make sure he hadn't gotten into any trouble since...
Lunch.
"...You did something different with your hair?" he asked, catching the finer details. "...It's lovely, where did you learn to do that?"
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Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 7:45 pm
He felt more than a little pleased, both with the fact that Samir liked him in his normal clothes, and that he had noticed the extra care he had taken with his hair. Jacob watched him slightly and felt a thrill of pleasure when he realized that the male was taking a long moment to look him over.
It made him feel happy. And terribly excited.
“I did, yeah. I thought you deserved me at my best. Or beyond my best. You’re right, of course, I’m …I’m not a fan of the khaki’s and the polo shirts. I feel so frumpy and boring. I’m not sure when pastels became my thing but…” He shrugged, tossing his braid back over his shoulder and smoothing the sherbet colored jacket down. “They are comfortable and I think they really compliment my…well. Everything.”
Moving to the door, he held it open for the male and gave a nod of his head that was nearly a bow, and gestured for him to answer. “After you, I am going to be completely gentlemanly tonight. Though, perhaps only for dinner.”
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Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 7:53 pm
Samir seemed delighted and another laugh fell from his lips. "Gentlemanly, only for dinner? Well then, you'll be right at home with the dogs, afterwards. But, I'm flattered. I don't often get to be on the receiving end of this attention. It's quite flattering. I'll return the favor for you, I'm certain."
But then, it was nice having someone do these things for you; they had always been second nature to him--hold the door, help when possible, mind your manners. It was chivalrous, and it made him admire Jacob with renewed interest.
That was purely platonic. One hundred percent. Samir couldn't even begin to navigate what it might mean if it wasn't.
He had to clear his throat, as if doing so would clear his mind.
"You're the only person I know who wears pastels, I think. You really stand out in a crowd. It's soft, and pleasant. Very safe, I think. Or maybe it's just because I know you sell insurance, so naturally you must be safe, no?"
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Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 7:58 pm
He chuckled softly. “You should see my younger brother, December. He wears them well too. We make quite a pair.”
There was a moment of sadness and Jacob sighed. He was missing his brother and wanted to see him again soon but. Things had just been so busy.
With a sudden snort, Jacob shook his head. “Seriously? Because I sell insurance, you think that I’m safe? Obviously since I have such a boring job, I must be a crazy person, isn’t that how it goes? The more boring a person’s job, the more likely they are to be like…serial killers or crime lords or…”
He hesitated, and gave a suddenly awkward laugh, thinking that…they were both kind of serial killers, in a way. Didn’t the Negaverse take people’s lives when it was necessary? Didn’t they do what they had to? Perhaps…now wasn’t the time to think about that.
“But, yes! Please feel free to return the favor. I like to be pampered too, you know. As I’m sure you’ll learn tonight. I’m rather high maintenance.”
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Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 8:10 pm
Samir watched him for a moment; he might have said something of Jacob's family situation if the host didn't choose that moment to arrive and escort them to the table. A few moments of formality passed--drinks, choosing from the menu, idle conversation as they took their order. However, when the waiter came and went, Jacob had his full attention again.
"There's something a bit different about you, today," he noted suddenly. "I can't quite put my finger on it. But you seem like you're glowing. Do you like this food so much?"
He wouldn't have blamed him if such were the case; it was delicious. He'd been here his fair share of times--but never with someone. It was an exciting experience, especially given how long it had been since he'd honestly gone out for dinner with someone. Not a group of friends, not an accidental bump in. A nice, planned dinner.
"...Or are you just that excited for me to repay this kindness, Mr. High Maintenance? ...Should I be worried? I hope you're not scheming..."
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Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2020 5:03 pm
“Oh, I mean…yeah, the food here is great, but it’s spending time with you that’s got me really excited, I think. You’re amazing and…I’m just. Flustered, I guess.”
Jacob watched the other male with a small smile, his lavender eyes roaming over his face and working to almost memorize every curve of his features, his imagine going to lands that he never had thought possible. “What would I be scheming for? I mean, I’m not doing this for you to repay me, I’m doing it to repay you for lunch, but hey. If something great comes of it, who am I to be upset?”
Though he didn’t quite know what could come of this…besides a wonderful meal, and a wonderful night watching movies and cuddling with Samir’s dogs.
And maybe with Samir himself?
Suddenly Jacob ducked his head to take a long drink of his water, feeling his face heat up once again.
No, that wasn’t something he should think. This was his captain. Someone that he had to show respect to. Not fantasize over.
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Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 6:42 am
Samir simply laughed, apparently enjoying Jacob's antics. If he suspected where the man's mind had gone, he gave no indication of such and simply looked around. He had an obvious smile on his face. It was faint, subtle, but clearly there. He was at peace, not putting on a facade for appearance's sake.
"I didn't know you were so fond of me. It's flattering," he confessed. "But you have no need to be flustered! I'm only human, and you're quite the catch yourself. Though, I suppose that aura of allure must come from the night job."
Samir's eyes had returned to Jacob. There was something peaceful; he didn't feel nervous about this. There had been butterflies in his stomach before, thoughts dancing in his head that he hadn't quite understood. But it felt good to be here. He wanted to laugh, to dispel whatever nerves might have lingered to nag at him, but he wondered if maybe hew wasn't just giddy.
"We talk often," he announced, "But sometimes I realize there are things I still don't know about you. I want to know more about your hobbies, your other friends. Your ambitions, your love life. If it's not prying!" he insisted, fighting back the butterflies that had decided to manifest again.
This wasn't awkward. This was nice. There was no reason to be nervous--especially when he knew he was enjoying Jacob's company.
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Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2020 1:55 pm
Jacob shrugged. “How could I not be fond of my best friend and mentor?” He tried to process the fact that Samir was calling him a catch and he felt his face heating up once more. “You think I’m a catch? Truly? Coming from you, that is one high compliment.”
He felt butterflies of his own beginning to flutter around his stomach and he shook his head.
“Ask all that you want to know, but I’ll tell you, I don’t have many ambitions outside of quilting…and for my love life? I don’t really have one. I don’t have one at all, if I’m being completely honest. But…”
He hesitated, unable to keep eye contact for a moment. “…I think I’d like one, again, if I’m being honest. I am a little lonely so, if the right person came around, I’d be more than willing to try to have one. I’ve just…I’ve always been a little on the shy side, I suppose. Mostly. I’ve never really felt…connected with someone. You know? And I can’t…stand the idea of being in a relationship with someone who I’m not friends with first.”
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Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2020 7:46 am
Samir leaned back and smiled softly. "That makes sense. I never understood the point of dating people you didn't know, or one night stands. I mean, I've met people and felt chemistry, and gotten to know them. And then worked up the courage to ask."
He wore a soft smile, perhaps a bit nostalgic.
"Well--what's your perfect person like?" he asked, seeming eager and interested. It wasn't a game, but he spoke about it with the same enthusiasm. "When you daydream, what qualities do you imagine?"
It wasn't prying, wasn't critical--it was an enthusiastic inquiry, like he was excited to find out.
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Posted: Fri Feb 21, 2020 9:48 am
He nodded. “I agree with that. Going from friendship to a relationship has always sounded so much easier. I’m not big on the idea of dating apps or the like, though…there have been a few days where I’ve felt rather lonely and thought about signing up for one, though…I never have.”
Jacob watched Samir for a long moment. “As for my perfect person? I don’t really know. Someone who I feel comfortable with, someone who doesn’t judge me for what I like or what I do.” Someone like Samir himself, if he were going to be honest. Not that he really wanted to say anything right now, even though he was feeling warm and rather squishy inside.
Finally, Jacob found he had to avert his gaze and shrugged. “I think they’d have to be handsome too. And perhaps strong. Or beautiful. I don’t mind what gender they are, I don’t think. But, I want to know the person before I fall for them. Not that I think it would be so difficult to fall for someone who I was friends with. If that makes any sense.”
He hoped that it did, but hopefully…not too much sense.
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Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2020 2:35 pm
"It makes sense," Samir affirmed, smiling reassuringly. "I think it sounds nice. I was holding out, for a girl I was very much in love with," he admitted. "...She was brave, and clever, and fun. Bold and charming. She made me feel like I was having an adventure. But," he wore a sad, somewhat knowing smile.
"She may have had too much adventure in her heart. I haven't heard from her in a few years. She up and left, disappeared with her sisters. I had hoped that if she would have needed to escape, she'd have let me know when they were safe. Even if she couldn't have told me anything else. But," he dragged the word out. "...I never heard from her. So all I can do is hope for the best. For a long time, I held onto the idea that she was going to come back, but."
His smile had faded somewhat. "...I guess the best thing I can hope for at this point is that she found someone better and moved on. So I guess that's where I'm at on it now. Trying to find someone to help me move on, I think."
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Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2020 8:55 pm
Something inside Jacob seemed to ache with this revelation and he nodded slowly. “Ah, well I hope that she’s all right. And I hope that she’s happy, wherever she is…” He paused at the final words that Samir said and he hesitated for a moment. “I hope you find that someone. Someone who can spark adventure within you again.”
He couldn’t help but giving a small smile, feeling warmed by the one that Samir had warn, but…hopefully one day…
Jacob himself would be worthy of such a smile.
“…I hope that I can perhaps help you move on.”
The words were out of his mouth and for a long moment, Jacob wasn’t sure just who had spoken, but finally it dawned on him and he had to look away, the flush in his cheeks unable to be hidden. He wanted to say something to deny it, something to undo what he had just said, but.
“…S-since we’re friends.”
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Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2020 5:30 pm
Samir paused and watched him for a few seconds before a little laugh fell from his lips. "Yes, since we're friends." There was something teasing, playful about the way he said it. He lifted his drink, amused smile on his face the entire time.
"To be honest, I...like my life now, I think." He took a few extra seconds to consider it and then nodded. "More than a few months ago. So I'm moving in the right direction. Besides, I've got you in my life to keep me busy!" He couldn't declare the lieutenants both; Laven was at the forefront of his mind as well. He'd enjoyed the time he'd been able to spend with them recently, actually functioning in the Negaverse.
It made him feel like he was actually doing something, making a difference.
The smile lingered on his face, though. "I haven't had someone come over this often since I was a boy. It's refreshing. And I've gotten to show off my forge, and my creations. It's refreshing. It's..."
He paused. "...It's been really nice to have someone I trust so much that I can open up to them. I don't have to hide things from you. I think I might trust you with anything. Even my dogs," he laughed. He looked at Jacob softly, with clear affection in his eyes.
He was enjoying this, all of it.
So much so that he was already trying to figure out how to do this again.
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