patrick.

[Text]: … I’ll be careful where I tread around him, then. 🍺
[Text]: I’m nervous to answer now!
[Text]: Yes. I love Wham! And I love George Michael. 🤞🏻
[Text]: I mean… only if you let me. 😉

( mssg » patrick | sent ) Good idea. You never know if you might become one of those guys who ‘sleeps with the fishes’.
( mssg » patrick | sent ) Don’t be nervous! I promise, it’s not as bad as it sounds!
( mssg » patrick | sent ) Yes! That was the correct answer! You’re still invited to the bar and I won’t tell Joe to nix the whole free beer thing.

😉
( mssg » patrick | sent ) First thing’s first? Since this is going past the two week mark. First, you impress Joe. Then.. I guess we’ll have to see where tonight goes then. Won’t we?

😶

patrick.

[Text]: Well, hopefully he’ll like me more when you say I’m your date, and not just some weird rando hitting on you. If an old mafia member loves you, don’t question it. It could work in your favor in the future if you need someone to disappear. LOL.
[Text]: I’m still determined to get free beer, though.
[Text]: What if it wasn’t a mean threat, though? What if I really just love George Michael, and I want to hear how you cover him? Channel your inner George, Blaine.
[Text]: Oh, I’ll handle you, alright. I’m positive that you won’t disapprove. 😉

( mssg » patrick | sent ) I’m pretty sure that he could make that happen for you. I mean, he’s sweet as can be, but he definitely gives off that vibe of sweet only goes as far as insulting him in his house on the day of his daughter’s wedding. Or something equally as Godfather-ish.
( mssg » patrick | sent ) I think you might manage to get one or two out of him. I wish you the best.

👍

( mssg » patrick | sent ) Wait. You love George Michael? Seriously? Because the answer to this question can be very crucial in determining my response to this request.
( mssg » patrick | sent ) …Will you? 😶

patrick.

[Text]: Will do.
[Text]: Wait, what do you mean IF he likes me? Everyone likes me. I’m fucking charming! I’ll definitely get those beers!
[Text]: Oh, It won’t be something childish like Sesame Street, but if I need a good 80′s love ballad, I’m not ashamed to request Careless Whisper. Cheesy love ballads are the greatest, and you know it. 😉
[Text]: Oh, and I have no problem dealing with you later. That sounds pretty promising to me… 😉

( mssg » patrick | sent ) I know you’re charming. Joe just requires more than charming to get past his Dad stare. I don’t understand why but I’m not asking an old man why he’s taken me in as a son he’s never had.
( mssg » patrick | sent )

Especially considering I think he is probably part of the mafia.

( mssg » patrick | sent ) If he offers you alcohol for free? I think that’s the same thing was being invited into the family. Or allowed to circle it on the outside until you graduate to the next level.
( mssg » patrick | sent )

I can’t tell you how many customers he’s kicked out who’ve tried hitting on me at the bar. Not that I’m complaining. I’m pretty sure he did me a favor each time.
( mssg » patrick | sent ) Oh, how little you know if you think having me sing Wham! is a threat.

( mssg » patrick | sent ) Are you sure about that? Are you realllllly sure??

😉

patrick.

[Text]: I’m pretty excited to see you sing tonight. Gives me a chance to grab a beer and unwind, too.
[Text]: Don’t be surprised if I request a super embarrassing or cheesy song, either. 😉

( mssg » patrick | sent ) Are you? Well. Make sure you tell Joe, behind the bar, that you’re my date and you might get a couple of those beers on the house. If he likes you.

😉
( mssg » patrick | sent ) You know..I can pretend I didn’t hear it! I’m not above disappointing a “customer” if they make me sing Sesame Street or something equally as embarrassing. Plus! You DO have to deal with me later!

We’re All in the Mood for a Melody

patrick.

Patrick chuckled at the ridiculing from Blaine. The order was a bit much, but it really was the perfect mix. “It’s not bad! It’s really good. Try a sip!” He nudged the cup towards him and pouted. “Just experiment with the ingredients, and you’ll find something tailored to your pallet.” Patrick smirked playfully at the comment and inhaled slowly, trying to force back a giggle. “Well, you kind of can tell the difference. But you can’t really tell what two hundred forty degrees is since water boils at two hundred and twelve…” He winked at him and let his laughter slip.

Patrick gasped. “I can’t forget you! You’re going to be my marketing manager, duh! I didn’t even have a huge plan other than my design job, but now I have to quit it to make all these millions of dollars that wouldn’t have happened without you!” He smiled and nervously tapped two fingers on the table. “So, maybe you should give me your number that way we can talk business details. Or, other things.”

Blaine’s brows shot up, the laughter still dancing in the brightness of his eyes as he tapped the edge of his coffee cup. “Um. Excuse me? I have found the perfect mix. Thank you. It just involves a whole lot less than what’s inside your cup. How do they even manage to leave room for coffee,” he asked with a grin feeling lighter than he has in weeks. Hell. Laughing more than he has in months in a matter of minutes felt good. Too good to not want to hang onto the moment for as long as he could get it. Even if he was pushing making it to the bar on time? Patrick’s company was well worth running six blocks in a rush to make it there.

“Your marketing manager,” lips formed a perfect ‘o’ that he took in a deep breath and pretended to mull over the job offer way too hard. Deflating with a breath blown out from puffy cheeks, he scrunched his nose and leaned in. “If the salary is spectacular enough to pull me away from music? Then you have yourself a deal. Going to cost you though. A lot.” Performing at a piano bar might not seem very glamorous paired up with, say what Rachel was doing, but it let him make music and that was enough to get him by. Pausing when Patrick asked him for his number, he felt the temperature in his cheeks and nose heat up to the 260 degrees he was just making fun of earlier. Or, other things being the main reason for the blush. But he nodded and pulled out his phone regardless. If someone could brighten his day this much? Getting their number was, without a doubt, a great idea. You know. For business. “Give me your number and I’ll text you mine..”

A beginning of something new. A new connection. Strange how today started out like every other he’s had for over a year now..and now it was quickly turning into anything but..

Patrick and Blaine//We’re All in the Mood for a Melody

patrick.

“I suppose you’re right. It’s not New York without the chaos, so I better bite the bullet and become accustomed to it quickly.” Patrick stood in line, watching Blaine in awe. His little quirks were refreshing, and he loved how enthusiastic he was about life. He chuckled, also breathing in the homely scent. It was like his soul was instantly calmed. Coffee really did work miracles. “I actually really like that idea. I can see it now. New scent from Georgio Armani: Java.” He wrinkled his nose and gave a toothy smile at his own lame joke, shuffling his feet a bit as he moved along in line.

Patrick raised his eyebrows at Blaine’s order. “Gotcha. Keeping it classic. I like it. Mine’s not as simple,” He said plainly, stepping up to grab their order. He was quite thrilled to have a new friend like Blaine. Patrick was usually spot-on when judging someone’s character, and Blaine gave him all the right feelings. He gladly paid for the drinks and turned to search for Blaine, finding him by the windows as promised. He grinned as he sat across from him and sat their cups down. “Alright. Medium drip. Venti. Because bigger is better when it comes to caffeine.” He smiled and paused for a moment to open the lid to his drink, stirring it slightly. “And a triple shot, venti, no-foam, vanilla latte for me.” He grinned. “Told you. My coffee is a bit high-maintenance.”

“Thank you, Patrick.” A grateful bow of his head and Blaine inched his seat forward on instinct to be closer to the table and his company seated across from him. Huffing, he grinned down at Patrick’s cup. That was a laundry list of ingredients, indeed. “Okay. How do you even remember your order? Much less the poor barista that had to write all that on the side,” he playfully smirked at the other as he eyeballed his coffee. “Surprised she didn’t need two cups to complete the list. “I’m kidding. I promise. At least you didn’t add the temperature you set it at. I never understood why people did that. I mean. Can you really tell the difference between 240 degrees and 260?” That was just way too overboard in his book.

“You know? I’ve been thinking about the whole coffee cologne idea. Don’t let Armani have their hands on it. This should be all you. Hey.. Maybe they could magically put caffeine in the spray? Just one more way to absorb everyone’s favorite addictive,” Blaine held his fingers in the air forming air quotes, ‘eine’. I think you just found the way to make your millions and you’ve been in the city for what? An hour or so? Impressive..” His left hand occupied itself with peeling off the lid of his coffee while he grabbed some sugar packets with the other. “Make sure to remember the little people who helped you along the way. Okay. Me. Make sure to remember me.” His smile was bright and beaming and laughter was quick to chase after his cheeky pitch.

Patrick and Blaine//We’re All in the Mood for a Melody

patrick.

Patrick chuckled and gave his shoulder a friendly pat. “It’s perfectly fine. You can present anything and everything you see fit. There’s still a lot I haven’t seen thanks to getting my apartment in order. I only wish I felt like a local.” He gave an excited grin and headed towards the crosswalk. He hadn’t discovered his new local coffee shop yet, and he kind of hoped it would be a winner. Soon, they were inside, the warm smell of coffee instantly making Patrick feel at home. He smiled at Blaine. “Why don’t you go find us a seat? What would you like? It’s on me.”

“You’ll get there. Make sure to save yourself time to get out and explore. Otherwise? If the only view you’re getting is from your dashboard on the way to work every day? You’re really missing out on all but the frustration of New York City traffic. Which,” he shrugged with a hapless grin aimed at the street, “I guess is part of the becoming a local experience.” As soon as the door of the shop closed behind him and the scent of coffee and the wood polish on the floors and tables hit him? Blaine breathed it in deep and returned Patrick’s smile. “If they bottled this smell? I’d buy whatever it’s in by the dozens.” Nearly interrupting Patrick’s offer–a crease formed between Blaine’s brows that said he was about to before he stopped himself and figured it’d be rude to turn him down since they were strangers getting to know one another. Not quite at the level of friends to banter back and forth about who was going to pay. But. He would get the next round. If there was one. “A medium drip would be great. The bigger the cup? The better. Thank you. I’ll,” he thumbed over his shoulder, “go find us a seat by the windows while there’s some still open. Deal?” Oh. That’s what Patrick told him to do. Right! Anyway!

Patrick and Blaine//We’re All in the Mood for a Melody

patrick.

Patrick grinned. “Tahoe is lovely. I can’t wait to go back for a vacation.” He followed Blaine and exited the building with him, looking up at the glorious skyline and dodging the passersby simultaneously as he spoke. “I guess irony is funny like that.” Patrick smiled sweetly as they stopped, soaking in Blaine’s constant friendliness. “Thank you! It’s a wonderful opportunity. I’ve already started, actually. I’m a few weeks in and loving it.” He looked around the block for a moment and grinned, seeing a little corner cafe. “I’m not sure of your plan for the day, but would you like to join me for a cup of coffee?”

“Oh,” Blaine pressed his lips together and blew a breath through them that made a soft puff as it came out. “Sorry,” a coy smile followed his apology. “I thought you were newly arrived. And I was so excited to be the one to present the city, too. Ah well,” he rocked back onto his heels and dipped forward again grinning as he teased. “There goes my opportunity,” he threw in a pout for good measure but was back to smiling when he glanced where Patrick was looking. “A few weeks? You’re practically a local.” His smile only grew when their attention was back on one another and the question he almost asked before Patrick stole the opportunity followed. Turning down coffee was a crime he’d never commit and turning down intriguing company? Even moreso. “Sounds great! I don’t really have many plans. Thus the impromptu performance you wandered in on. One of those throw the day in the air and see how it ends sort of days,” he tossed an underhanded lift of his arm and wave in the direction of the cafe, “Lead the way!”

Patrick and Blaine//We’re All in the Mood for a Melody

patrick.

Patrick could tell that Blaine was completely genuine, and it was so refreshing. Although the majority enjoyed the performance, it was common that most of the people that he encountered in this grand city definitely didn’t give an impression like this. He blushed at the stranger’s comment and slightly turned to face him. “I’m still fairly new to New York, and I’ve never seen anything like this. I think any notion that uses music for people’s benefit is fantastic.” And clearly Blaine’s feeling on the matter was mutual. “Denver is an entirely different world.”

Patrick grabbed his backpack and tossed it on his back. He was quite taken by Blaine’s charm and wanted to learn more about him, but he didn’t want to seem to forward or overbearing. “You truly play beautifully. How long have you been catching the ear of total strangers with your songs?” He smiled, leaning forward a bit to hear his voice despite the noise of the busy train station.

More compliments? Blaine ducked his head down and rubbed the back of it, aiming that sheepish grin of his towards the piano bench he had yet to stand up from. The casual closeness didn’t seem to bother him. His personal bubble could be rather small in comparison to most people’s in this city. “Thanks. Um–,” his lips formed a thoughtful pout, “As often as I can? So for years–I guess? I agree with you about music helping people. The way I look at it? If I can make one person who is having a bad time’s day brighter? Then I’m doing my job. Plus. If there’s a piano around–and this one’s been here for months–I, usually, can’t help myself.”

With a sigh and a grunt–both palms pressed against the polished black he was perched on and he stood up giving a languid stretch to work out the kinks in his back and legs that settled in after playing for the better part of the afternoon. “Denver, huh? What are you doing here in New York City? Transplant or visiting to see what all the fuss is about? I’m warning you? If it’s the second? You should believe the hype,” he blindly grabbed the strap of a brown, leather satchel sitting at the end of his side of their seat, “This city’s amazing. You’re bound to fall in love and it doesn’t apologize if you do.” Most times? Besides his circle of friends who were busy with their own lives? New York City was all he had to rely on for company? It took him a while to get used to it but now that he had? Their love affair was just enough to get him through. Most nights.

Patrick and Blaine//We’re All in the Mood for a Melody

patrick.

Things like this never happened on the West Coast, at least he never saw anything like it. Patrick always loved singing, and his parents made sure to train him how to read music at a young age, but it was always underappreciated by that society. He could feel somewhat of a connection with the random crowds hustling past him, and even more so with the young man sitting next to him.

Patrick smiled as the stranger rolled into the last bars of the song, making the musicality of his instrument look all too easy. Their voices complimented each other well, and he couldn’t be more satisfied with their little impromptu performance. As the tune dissipated, and several people clapped, Patrick noticed that a few were recording on their phones. The clip was sure to end up on social media later. He shrugged it off, and turned to face this mystery man. “You, sir, are very talented. Excellent song choice.” He smiled charmingly and offered his hand. “Patrick Murray. Pleasure to sing with you.”

Blaine couldn’t stop himself from belting out the notes with a never ending smile as Patrick sang with him. The sheer joy of having a duet partner that wasn’t a bar full of drunk tourists and locals sloshing the words around–albeit so carefree and happy that their smiles just like the people around them today were contagious and their enjoyment was his life’s blood even if theirs had an alcohol level well over 1.0–made the singer bounce a little more joyfully on the bench. His slight frame jarred as he hit the keys like they were as easy as breathing. He plays this song on request almost nightly. Never once has it gotten old.

When they were done–Blaine offered their audience a shy, appreciative bow of his head that let him hide behind some curls that fell to dangle near his left eye and lifted his hand to twitch his fingers in a wave. Once they started milling away–those brightly shining eyes underneath long, thick lashes darted right towards Patrick. His face was flushed, his grin so big it pinched his eyelids together at their corners. “I–ah–,” his nose scrunched like he was in excited, happy bewilderment. Not only for the man suddenly joining him but for the compliments he dished out, “Thanks! You were pretty great yourself.”

Blaine returned Patrick’s smile and slid his hand into the other man’s giving it a light squeeze and gentle shake, “Blaine Anderson. And trust me? The pleasure was all mine. Your voice is amazing.” There was nothing but honesty in Blaine’s tone. None of it was a polite lip service type reply to a compliment someone might feel they had to giveback. Just honest truth.