Dave’s fingers tapped against the steering wheel, a cheerful tune running through his head. The car was a bit weird, not like his usual car, but considering his own car was in the shop, it had been easier to just rent a car with Blaine. He grinned stupidly as he thought about the fact that he was about to go on an adventure with his boyfriend. Sure, it was only a short trip, and it wasn’t like this was the first time they had drove a long distance together, but this was their first road trip. Dave stuck his hand out the window, giving Blaine a wave when he noticed Blaine waving at him. How he had ended up dating Blaine, who turned out to be one of the greatest guys he met, he still wasn’t actually sure. Dave reached behind himself, fiddling with his backpack and moving around the cooler. “You have to have a cooler, David, what if you two got hungry and there wasn’t anything to eat for miles?” his dad had reason as he had started to pack the two of them a lunch. At that time, Dave had just rolled his eyes, but now he was hoping Blaine actually enjoyed it.
He watched as Blaine came out of the house, and tried not to be too amused by the multiple bags. Sliding out of the car, he reached forward to Blaine, a huge smile across his face. “Hey there,” he beamed, leaning in to hug his boyfriend. As he pulled back, Dave shook his head. “Nah, you could never have enough stuff, right? Besides, I can’t really say anything. I have my own bag and a suit carrier, and a backpack, plus my dad insisted on me bringing food for us,” he hummed, reaching for Blaine’s things. He had realized, when packing his bag, he couldn’t put his laptop in the bag, which meant he had to have a separate bag. “Thank you for coming with me Blaine, I really appreciate it,” Dave said suddenly, giving Blaine a grateful smile.
Dave greeted him with a smile that went on for days and a pair of arms waiting. Blaine was now well past thinking it was so strange to hug Dave back. All thanks to the man hugging him patiently giving him time and helping him to start working on his troubled mind. They both knew what it felt like to bottom out. Dave was there to listen and understood. He was apart from the close inner circle of friends that made Blaine feel too guilty of possibly making think they had to chose ‘sides’ –there weren’t any sides, he knew that now but not then– to hear him out. At three o’clock in the morning when Blaine felt like he was losing it? Dave always picked up the phone to talk him down and refused accept an apology for the phone ringing at an ungodly hour. In Dave’s opinion? None were ever needed.. When he started therapy? Dave drove him to the doctor that he recommended. There were more things, small and big that Dave did for him and never asked anything back but Blaine’s company.
What was Dave to him? A boyfriend. An unexpected turn that took him off a dark road right before he drove off the steepest cliff he’d ever sped towards. Dave was someone who was there and Blaine was grateful. Instead of holding back–Blaine stepped into the hug and it was warm and soft lasted only for a minute. More than enough time for him to lift up onto his toes to press a kiss to Dave’s cheek because his arms were too full to hug him back properly. Blaine laughed and shrugged out of his bags to hand them over. “Uh–Sure,” he grinned happily, “Or you are too sweet to ask me what the heck.” The thank you made Blaine blink, mouth open in surprise. “You’re welcome. Hey! I’m excited about this! We’re going to have fun and–? Thanks to your dad? We’re already ahead.” Reaching over–Blaine gripped Dave’s elbow and gave it a squeeze. “Thank you for inviting me, Dave. Let’s get out of this town. Last one in the car pumps gas first. Race ya?” Yea! That happened. So said the view of Blaine’s back as he suddenly jerked into a jog towards the passenger side.
Dave stared at his bag, trying to think of anything else he could possible pack for that weekend. It wasn’t like it was anything big, he was just going to be hanging out with Blaine and devouring ice cream – – Ice cream, he needed to pick up some ice cream, especially chocolate ice cream, maybe some more butterscotch ice cream too, but he wasn’t sure if Blaine would like that kind. All else fails, he knew he could get Neapolitan and have multiple flavors covered in one go. Maybe he shouldn’t over think the ice cream thing, it wasn’t that big of a deal.
After leaving the house and then spending twenty minutes trying to pick out the perfect ice creams, including bothering the shop attendant about what their favorite flavors were and what their partner liked, he was finally on the highway to Westerville. “Siri, text Blaine,” he called out, grateful Siri worked hands free in the car. As Siri responded, he let out a breath. “I should be there in a half hour! Feel free to call if you want or i’ll just call when I get there!” he called out, and confirmed the send.
Blaine lit one last vanilla candle and sat it on the mantle next to three others before deciding that was enough unless he wanted to make it look too obvious he spent most of the day getting an already perfectly put together house even more–put together? Taking a step back and breathing deep through a crease between the edges of his hands, the sides of both pointer fingers ran up the bridge of his nose and crossed thumbs rubbed the curves of his chin. Too much for binge watching movies and ice cream? Candles didn’t need to be a part of the equation but doing all of this put the nervous beating of butterfly wings against his stomach at ease.
Otherwise? He’d be checking his phone repeatedly to see if something came up. Or another twist of fate that he couldn’t believe was actually going his way for the short while it had been was suddenly back to not being in his favor and messed up their plans just for it’s own amusement. Reason One when his phone vibrated he smirked at it figuring he’d given himself some movie quality foreshadowing and mucked it up on his own by somehow willing the worst to happen. Both brows rose when he saw the message and the worrying of his teeth against his lip became a smile. He quickly called back not giving Dave enough time to blurt out hello–Blaine started talking. “Eyes on the road, Dave. Not on text messages. Call me when you get here. Sorry. Hi,” he waited rolling his eyes ceilingward at how much he sounded like a lecturing, overprotective dad instead of a–. Oh. Yeah. Phone call. Right-right!
[Text} I know Blaine, I do know. I just worry but I’m trying not to because you’re right. You kind of are, at least in my world, but i’m pretty sure in all worlds they’ll agree. Do you maybe want to spend the weekend doing that? Ice creams and movies? [Text] It wasn’t really a date per say, but in my head it sort of was. It ended in disaster though, and I guess later a trip to the ER, but really food poisoning doesn’t sound that bad compared to it. …haha, I like what you did there. [Text] I’m not sure how i’ll do it, but i’m a Karofsky, i’m determined. You’ll never exactly expect it, but I will. I think I can accept that fee, doesn’t seem like a bad price to pay. Next weekend? Sure! I’m free!
( mssg » dave | sent ) You’re crazy but thank you. The feeling is very mutual. Yes! Sounds like the perfect weekend. We’ll go pick up whatever we need when you get here. ( mssg » dave | sent )😱 A trip to the ER?? Ah! You caught that? Ha! ( mssg » dave | sent ) I look forward to your attempts at trying to pull off the impossible. It’s a date! See you then. Time to get back to class and get these boys a winning setlist together! Talk to you soon, Dave.
[Text] Jeez how’d I get the chance to date you? You’re practically perfect and i’m me, it’s kind of not fair 😛 I promise though, not that you’ll ever really screw up, but I promise, okay? And you know, i’m always around to talk about things, I know having downs are hard, and I’m always here for you. Especially with food comfort in the form of ice cold deliciousness and potential movie marathons and etc.
[Text}Just a bit. Wouldn’t be worst date I had though 😛 If I happen to pass out from your dessert, it would probably be because it’s so amazing. The passing out would probably be worth it honestly. Not going to lie, i’m looking forward to it.
[Text] Hmm, I guess if its a tall order to fill, I have to up my game for the next time ;). You always make yourself a good reason, not matter the circumstance. I can’t get bored of you, so I’m pretty sure it wont sink in 😛
( mssg » dave | sent ) If you read this message? You’ll see how you got the chance to date me. I’m nowhere near close to perfect but you saying that makes you a pretty big contender for the word. Thank you, Dave. That means so much to me. I’d never turn down ice cold deliciousness and movie marathons. Up days or down ones. It sounds like a perfect way to spend a weekend. ( mssg » dave | sent ) I’d hate to hear about your worst date if a trip to the ER wouldn’t beat it! Keep looking forward to it! I promise it’ll be to die for. ( mssg » dave | sent ) You ‘upping your game’? I don’t know how you could but let’s see what you got! I make no promises that I won’t ‘up mine’ back. It’s the price you’re going to have to pay if you totally throw me for a loop. I guess we’ll see if you thought correctly on that. How about next weekend on Spring Break?
[Text] I promise I will. Maybe not right away but I will. I know I should stop worry. I’m trying. I think it’s the whole ‘don’t screw up, don’t screw up’ going through my head. I appreciate that though. [Text] Oh awesome, I mean, I wouldn’t want to accidentally feed you something and then have you spend the rest of the night at the hospital…I think that’d be a mood killer? Well I’m my father’s son for sure, so yes, my father loves chocolate. Maybe even more than I do. [Text] It did! Too far away. I’ll make sure to give you a heads up though? You know what Westerville has that Lima doesn’t, though? You.
( mssg » dave | sent ) Dave? You’re not going to screw up. I swear if you get even remotely close? We’ll talk about it long before that happens. You just have to promise the same to me and we’ll be fine. I know that I have my ups and downs still but, hey, best part about that is? With you around? It’s a heck of a lot more ups lately and that should count for a lot. It does for me and I’m forever grateful to you for that. ( mssg » dave | sent ) Slight mood killer! Ha! Let’s not have either one of us end up in the hospital. That’d be great. 🙂 Chocolate dessert it is. No trips to the ER either. Unless you pass out from my dessert. I make no promises you won’t. They’re just that good. ( mssg » dave | sent ) You’re more than welcome whenever you want. ( mssg » dave | sent ) Aw, Dave! That was the sweetest thing you’ve ever said and that’s a pretty tall order to fill. I’ll try to make me a good enough reason to spend some time in Westerville. No promises once you get here and let where you are and how right I am sink in.
[Text] If it does get weird though, you need to tell me asap, okay? [Text] Friday at 6:30? I think that’d work. That gives dad and I plenty of time to be ready. [;p] Just so you know though, i’ll always happily wait for you. [Text] Leaving it up to us. That is a dangerous thing Blaine, I hope you know that. I probably should know this but do you have any allergies?? More than happy about the dessert from you thing, i’d enjoy any kind of dessert from you. [Text] You know this whole being in different cities thing sucks. I might have to just stay there in Westerville for a couple of days.
( mssg » dave | sent ) I’ll tell you. I promise. You do the same. Okay? But, Dave. Stop worrying so much. You’re going to give yourself an early ulcer with how many times you keep asking me if I am okay. It’s sweet. I’m not saying I don’t appreciate it. Please don’t think that. I just want you to be reassured that if I feel like I need to speak up? I’ll speak up. ( mssg » dave | sent ) Ha! I trust your judgement. No. No known allergies to any foods that I know of? I think we’re safe. Oh! Good! I thought of just the thing to make. I know you are–but is your Dad a fan of chocolate? ( mssg » dave | sent ) Yeah, it does. Dalton just had to be built in the wrong town, huh? 🙂 You’re more than welcome though. Fair warning? I think Westerville might have even less to do than Lima does? If that’s possible. You might get bored to death.
[Text] Yeah. That’s what he said anyways. He wanted to know what you liked to eat, and that turned into invite him over. [Text] I mean if that’s kind of weird, its fine. But really? You think so? [Text] Woah. You’re serious? Would Friday be okay? I know its kind of short notice, but he leaves for a trip Saturday. [Text] He says your welcome. He’s still asking what you like by the way. Also wants to know your favorite dessert?
( mssg » dave | sent ) It isn’t weird. I promise. Not by a long shot. ( mssg » dave | sent ) Yes. I’m serious. Friday would be great. I’m out of work around 3:45. I can make it to Lima by 6 or so? 6:30 at the latest? Would that work for the both of you? I don’t want you to have to wait for me. ( mssg » dave | sent ) Oh! Um. Surprise me with whatever the two of you want to eat. As far as dessert? You know what? Let me make dessert for the three of us and I’ll surprise the both of you. Fair enough? If that’s okay?
[text] So I have a question, and you can say no I promise. My dad was asking about you the other night, and I think he wants to meet you? I mean officially meet you, not the casually saw you leaving the house or passed by while we were watching a movie kind of meet you.
[text] He told me to invite you to dinner.
[text] If that’s weird i’ll tell him some other time?
( mssg » dave | sent ) He was? Wait! He does? Your dad wants to meet me? ( mssg »
dave
| sent ) I.. Wow. No, wait, no. Dave? Dave, that’s great. ( mssg »
dave
| sent ) I mean. What I’m saying is..I’d love to. ( mssg »
dave
| sent ) Just tell me when and where and we’ll make it happen. ( mssg »
dave
| sent ) Dave? This is so sweet and means a lot. Tell him I said thank you?
“Really it’s – it’s fine. I probably deserved it.” A small, nervous breath left his lips. “Just– a normal coffee will be great, thanks.”
“I–uh–yeah. I’ll be right back. Want to find us a seat in the meantime?” Blaine was honestly expecting more of a resistance considering how their first meeting went and how well that turned out. Dave letting him get even a word in was a pleasant surprise. First? Coffee. “One regular coffee on the way.”
“–I don’t think it was that out of the blue. I was – kinda rude and cruel. Uh, really? You want to buy me a cup of coffee? Uh – okay, sure.”
“–You don’t? Okay. That’s kind of you to say but I still feel like I owe you an apology for springing that on you the way I did–in public–but thanks for giving me a chance. Yeah. I do. If that’s okay? Great! What are you having? I’ll go order.”
pianokeysandbowties back up 