Who: Fitz Proudfoot and Alex Vasquez (NPC), the Midnight Pixies (NPCs for days) What: A long-awaited second date. When: Friday, April 5, evening. Where: La Bienvenida Bar, on a hidden magical beach in San Diego, Alta California Warnings: Kissing, references to injuries, mild threats, discussion of infidelity.
La Bienvenida Bar, where the Midnight Pixies were gigging tonight, was already pretty full by sunset with the usual crowd of witches, wizards, squibs, and in-the-know no-majs. It was one of their regular bars and they'd played there many times over the past few years, enough to be comfortable with the venue and the routine, and right now half the band was squeezed into a booth while they waited to go on. Alex was wedged in the middle of the booth between Malachi, who was on his phone saying good night to his little girls, and Evie, who was eyeing him knowingly while he fidgeted with his glass of water and kept peeking at the door.
"Are you worried he's not gonna come?" she asked him, raising her voice to be heard over the happy-hour crowd and the jukebox. "Because I told you…"
"No, I know," he answered, and shot her a placating smile. "We texted this afternoon, he's still coming. I don't know why I'm nervous."
His best friend squeezed his knee. "Hope this Fitz Proudfoot is worth being nervous over. If he's not, I'm gonna slip something in his drink and give him to Olly to dispose of."
Their drummer, who was tapping out a rhythm with two drinking straws on the edge of the booth in between taking moody pulls from his beer, looked up with an eyebrow raised at the sound of his name, and Alex laughed and waved to him to say it didn't matter.
"He'll be here, and you'll like him," he told Evie with great confidence. But even so, he didn't stop casting looks at the door every thirty seconds.
To be honest at first Fitz wasn't entirely sure he would make it to the weekend - no matter how much he'd really really wanted to. The damage done during the impromptu creature rescuing, of which he still wasn't entirely sure all of what had exactly happened, earlier in the week were still leaving their mark; like the wince and muttered-under-his-breath swearing the moment his apparating had landed him in San Diego from his still bandaged up chest. On top of that there'd been the threat of dismissal before Elaine Constantine had stepped in; so now he was on thin ice rather than out on his butt. Fitz wasn't wanting Alex to worry though which was why he'd used a special balm of sorts to hide the cuts and bruises that were still visible. Sensibly he knew he ought to tell Alex but he wanted to at least enjoy some of the weekend before he let on what was troubling him.
Finally reaching the bar he was about to go in when he was bumped into by somebody exiting. Fitz bit down on his lip to keep from swearing, taking a sharp breath in through his nose as he held up his hand as if to tell the wizard 'no worries'. Counting backwards from ten in Greek he took a second or two to try and relax before he went in. Feeling calm enough that he wouldn't instantly cause any worry, Fitz finally entered the bar and waited for his eyes to adjust so he could look for Alex.
Despite the pain he felt, Fitz's face broke out into a grin the moment he spotted Alex with who he assumed were the rest of the band in a booth up near the stage. "Hey," he greeted contentedly the moment he was near enough to be heard over the top of the bar's crowd.
Alex lit up with a smile the second he saw Fitz walking through the door, and he elbowed Evie. "That's him! I told you." He shoved at her until she slid out of the booth so he could get up and go over to greet Fitz, wrapping an arm around his waist and leaning up to kiss his cheek. He hadn't lost his smile for a moment as he beamed up at him. "Hey," he answered. "I'm really glad you're here. I mean, I knew you were coming. But I'm really glad, anyway."
Keenly aware that the rest of the band was watching, Alex drew back after a moment with an apologetic tilt to his smile. "Um… can I get you a drink?"
Fitz happily returned the half-hug, and somehow managing to not wince at the slight discomfort he felt from twisting his body to also return the kiss. "Well, I wouldn't miss it for anything," he responded, and meant it. After all that had gone down the last thing he'd wanted was to miss out on seeing Alex again.
A sheepish smile was his own response at noticing Alex's bandmates surreptitiously watching them. "A drink would be great," he replied. The words were out of his mouth before he suddenly remembered that the pain potion he was currently taking wasn't meant to be mixed with alcohol; though the Healer had reassured him that while it wouldn't necessarily cause anything drastically bad to happen it would alter the effectiveness of the potion as well as other minimal side effects. "So I'm looking forward to finally seeing you perform tonight. Well, you and the band obviously."
Alex grinned, pleased, and turned around to face the band again, leaving his hand resting just lightly against Fitz's side. "Speaking of the band... everybody? This is Fitz. Fitz, this is everybody. That's Evie, one of my oldest friends and the best lead guitarist in town. Olly is our drummer and our genius songwriter, and the big guy is Malachi, our bassist and voice of reason. The other two are at the bar, I'll introduce you in a minute."
Malachi lifted a hand in greeting from his seat in the booth, and Olly gave the newcomer an inscrutable glare, but Evie unfolded her crossed arms to offer a handshake. "So you're long-distance Fitz," she said, and tilted her head at him like a curious bird, making her bright red curls bounce and shimmer under the mood lighting. "Alex's been talking about you for weeks. I hope you live up to the hype."
There was something comforting about the gentle pressure of Alex's hand rested against his side, he thought to himself. Fitz smiled, holding his hand up in greeting, and nodded as Alex introduced the half of the band that was there at the booth. He definitely remembered hearing Evie's name, as well as about the band in a general sense, before from when they weren't otherwise more happily distracted that weekend they'd met.
Deciding it was probably better to not question why Olly was glaring at him so, Fitz opted to move ahead and take up Evie's handshake. "That'd be me," he confirmed, and suddenly felt as if he was being examined. "Oh, really?" he asked, before turning to look at Alex with a raised eyebrow. "Not sure all of what he's told you but I hope I more or less live up to expectations."
Evie held onto his hand a moment longer than was strictly necessary, with a firm grip and an appraising look up and down, before she released him. "We'll see," was all she said.
Alex shook his head at her pleadingly and turned his hundred-watt smile back on Fitz. "Come on, I'll get you a drink before we go on. There's a couple local beers on tap I think you'll really like." He only second-guessed himself for a minute before he dropped his hand from Fitz's side and took his hand instead, lacing their fingers together as he led him through the crowd toward the bar. "It's really nice to see you again," he told him, lifting up onto his toes to speak into Fitz's ear, so he didn't have to raise his voice. "In person, I mean. Thanks for coming all the way down here. Hope it wasn't too rough a trip."
Ah. Being assessed by Alex's friends was apparently also on show tonight. Fitz looked back at Evie with a raised eyebrow, and was silently thankful for the fact, given what a surprisingly firm grip she had, his hands had been relatively free of any painful injuries.
It was all forgotten about though the moment he saw that smile of Alex's; it really was something, and he could stare at it and Alex for hours. "Alright, sounds pretty good to me." He tried not to feel disappointed as Alex dropped his hand from his side but before he could feel too disappointed Fitz was pleasantly surprised (and very pleased) when Alex took his hand instead. "I know what you mean, and it's great seeing you again," he responded, his thumb brushing against the back of his hand, before turning his head to capture Alex's lips in a kiss. It was a long moment before he pulled back, and smiled at Alex. "Meant what I said earlier. I honestly wouldn't have missed this for anything."
Alex was brought up short by that sweet kiss, still leaning up on his toes, and his free hand fell naturally to Fitz's chest for balance. He blinked up at him when he pulled away again, his lips forming a silent wow, and had to just grin at him like an idiot for a moment, his fingers still curled into the front of Fitz's shirt, because his brain wouldn't make words. "I'm really, really glad about that," he told him finally, and stretched up for another brief kiss.
"Hey, Alejandro," a young woman's light voice said from behind him, sounding amused, and he broke away and turned to see Tigerlily watching them from her seat at the bar. "Who's your friend?"
"Oh, um, yeah," he said, still glowing with a silly smile, "this is Fitz. Fitz, this is Tigerlily, our miscellaneous musical genius - hand her any instrument and she can play it. And behind her is Bianca, our amazing keyboardist, and now you've met the whole band." Bianca just raised her glass of beer to him with a smile, but Tigerlily, who was quite short, hopped down from her barstool and looked up at Fitz consideringly, hands on her hips.
"I can see why you like him," she told Alex after a brief moment, and without asking permission she wedged her way in between the two men to wrap her arms around Fitz in a squeezing hug.
Seeing that expression on Alex's face was making him want to kiss him a whole lot more and then some. Thankfully at the last second his brain jumped in remembering that they were still currently in a very public bar, and he didn't fancy giving anyone else a show. Fitz wouldn't have been the least bit surprised knowing his grin was probably matching Alex's right about now.
Fitz couldn't help the slight jump he made at the voice that broke through his distraction. Turning he gave a sheepish smile and wave at the two women. "Nice to meet you both."
Thinking that that would be it in terms of greetings he was caught off-guard by Tigerlily stepping in to give him a squeezing hug. "Fuck," he hissed without thinking, and muttered it again repeatedly for a moment as he doubled-over at the sudden pain. "Sorry... sorry, not your fault," he muttered apologetically, as he reached up to his bandaged chest trying to rub it soothingly. Fitz looked up at the sudden questioning looks he was getting. "Um..."
Alex's eyes widened in alarm, and he pulled his bandmate away as fast as he could. "Fitz?" He reached up to touch him, but stopped, his hands hovering because he didn't know what was safe to do. "What's wrong?"
Fitz winced, though not from pain but rather the look on Alex's face was exactly the thing he'd been trying to avoid hopefully for most of the evening if not the whole weekend. "I'm fine. Really. I'm fine," he said trying to reassuring him, reaching for one his hands. Fitz's shoulders sagged. There wasn't much point keeping up the pretence now. "I didn't want to worry you before you had to get up on stage... or worry at all, really," he replied. "Just got a little beat up the other day but I'm fine and no lasting harm done."
"Beat up?" Alex questioned, his eyebrows drawing down in confusion and dismay. "Who-- or what--" He took a breath to calm himself and try not to let his thoughts and worries get too far ahead of the situation. The last thing they needed during this long-awaited weekend was him getting anxious and being a downer over something that really wasn't his business at all. He squeezed Fitz's fingers, finding some reassurance in the touch, anyway. "Are you sure you're all right?"
"Impromptu midnight creature rescuing," he said with a joking tone. "It was going fine until it really wasn't when... I really hate to hate on any creatures ever but I could really stand to not ever see another graphorn for the rest of my life." The latter being said with a stronger vehemence than intended but his history with the creature didn't have the best track record. Fitz squeezed Alex's hand in return. "I'm fine. I mean, definitely still in pain but I'm on the mend. Promise. I'm sorry, Alex, the last thing I wanted was to worry or disappoint you but I didn't want to miss out on seeing you again."
Fitz bit his lip when he remembered why they were up at the bar in the first place. "But uh... as for that drink? I might have to take a raincheck on it - for now anyway."
"Aww," said Tigerlily, who was eavesdropping openly and absolutely without shame. "That's sweet. He must really like you, Alejandro."
Alex smiled a little and leaned carefully into Fitz's shoulder for a moment, touching him far more tentatively now that he wasn't sure where the damage was. "Yeah… I hope so, Tig." He patted Fitz's hand. "I don't even know what a graphorn is, but I'm sure I never want to see one, either. You must be on pain potions, huh? Let's get you something virgin, at least, and then will you sit down? If you don't want me to be worried, sitting down and not getting jostled around in the crowd is a good move."
The bartender leaned over toward them just then. "Hey, Alex," she called, jerking her thumb at the clock, "the natives are getting restless. Get your gang together, you're on in ten."
"Hooray," said Tigerlily cheerfully.
Fitz's cheeks were a little flushed after hearing Tigerlily's comment. Not because he was embarrassed but rather because he realised he really did like Alex - a lot more than he thought did. He move as if he was about to kiss Alex's cheek but before doing that he whispered low in Alex's ear. "I think I really kinda do."
As he went to respond with what a graphorn was he realised now was not the time or place to get into it, and he certainly didn't want to be known as the guy who killed the mood before the band was even on stage. "Probably a good idea. Yep, and though I'm sure it'd be funny to some folk I'd kinda prefer not finding out what it's like to mix the two," he replied. Loathe as he was to cause Alex any worry he couldn't help but smile at the concern in his voice and looks. "That is something I can definitely manage. I don't want to miss finally getting to see you perform."
Alex smiled up at him, his own cheeks gone pink. "Okay… okay. Marty," he called back to the bartender, "give this guy whatever he wants, and put it on my tab, all right? He came all the way from Montana -- I mean, Northwest -- just to hear me sing." He smiled wide at that and turned back to Fitz. "We've gotta go get set up. But before I leave you--" He tapped his lips with one finger. "Kiss for good luck?"
"Y'know I can pay for my own drink, right? But thank you," he said with a smile. Fitz's head shook slightly as he chuckled at Alex's request. "Something tells me you don't need the luck..." Pausing he reached out and, though they were already close to each other, he curled his fingers around the front of Alex's shirt pulling him in further as he leaned in kissing him a little more than perhaps a good luck kiss warranted but perhaps hinting towards later. "But good luck anyway."
Alex was grinning when he pulled away, his hand lingering in Fitz's until he couldn't reach him anymore, and he turned to give him a little wave as he went off to rustle up the band.
Fitz gave a wave as Alex left watching him with a smile for a moment before turning to the bar and ordering a non-alcoholic ginger beer. With drink in hand he somehow managed to make his way through the crowd without being jostled too much, and managed to find an empty seat in the booth that was behind where the band had been sitting earlier. It was strange that with all the times he'd been to bar gigs for dates in the past that he was now watching a date perform a bar gig. Fitz sipped at the ginger beer a little as he watched the band setting up on stage, and looked forward to finally hearing Alex sing.
The crowd in the bar quieted down a little while the band was setting up, though there was some heckling going on from people who were obviously regulars. Olly glowered at a group of particularly crass young bucks at a table near the front and reached for his wand, but Evie shut that down effectively with one stern look while Malachi glad handed the crowd, and then they were ready. Alex stepped to the front and took his microphone, blessed the room with one of his incandescent smiles, and the Midnight Pixies were off.
~~
Watching Alex perform was something else, and at one point during the set Fitz had let off a loud, but appreciative whistle. All the more glad that, however banged up he was, rather than resting up he still came and had gotten to see this.
By the end of the first set, Alex was warm under the lights, sweating a little, ready for a break, and euphoric from the crowd's reactions. He ran a hand through his hair, grinning around at the room as his bandmates finished off the last tune. "Okay, we're going to take a quick break and get a drink -- and you all should, too," he told the crowd over the final chords. "But don't go anywhere, because the Midnight Pixies will be back in twenty."
He hopped down from the stage while the rest of the band was still putting their instruments down, and though he was slowed down by bar patrons wanting hugs, selfies, or to know where they were playing next, he eventually made it back to Fitz and collapsed in next to him to crack open his bottle of water. "Hey," he greeted him, beaming, and gulped down half the bottle in one go. "So what do you think? Weird faces on the high notes or nah?"
Having had no idea how popular the band was Fitz couldn't help but chuckle as he watched Alex getting waylaid as he tried to make his way back. "Hey," he greeted with a lazy grin. "You were pretty fantastic. I mean, so was the rest of the band but I hope you'll forgive me for being kinda biased when it comes to you. Nah, maybe a little but not really. You've got a great voice."
Alex flushed and laughed and leaned his head on Fitz's shoulder. "You're sweet. Thanks." He finished off his bottle of water and sighed, not removing his head from what was a really comfortable spot. "I'm sorry, I'm gonna have to leave you and go and talk to some hopefully new fans in a couple minutes and hand out fliers for our next gig. It's a frontman's life." He twisted around to smile up at Fitz. "Asking you out here tonight was actually a terrible idea for a second date, but… I'm really glad you're here anyway."
He leaned up for a soft kiss, still smiling.
There was no chance he'd say it aloud but he was, if he was going to be honest, a little disappointed that he wasn't going to get as much time with Alex as he would've liked but he was nothing if not understanding. "It's okay. I mean, you can always make up for it later," he murmured, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Me too, and I'm really glad I didn't completely chicken out on texting you back after that weekend."
Fitz lingered in the kiss a while longer than intended before pulling back slightly only to rest his forehead against Alex's. "I'm thinking you should go see to your fans before I change my mind about being so understanding, and just keeping you here all to myself."
"Mmm-hm," Alex managed, still not over being left a little speechless by those kisses. "Uh, no, but yeah… later is good." He brought up his hand to rest on the back of Fitz's neck, rubbing his thumb softly over his close-cropped hair. "I was thinking after we're through here we could grab something to eat on the way to my place? But if you're hungry now, you should eat, the kitchen here's pretty good." He sighed and released him after a moment, scooting back to put some distance between them so he didn't get tempted by proximity. "And you're right, I should go do my duty."
"Don't worry," Evie said right next to his ear, making Alex jump and twist around to look up at her and Olly, who were hovering over his shoulder. "We'll entertain long-distance Fitz while you do your thing."
He glanced between his two bandmates, lifting a finger warningly. "No. Not happening. You promised you would be nice to him."
"No one said anything about not being nice, darling," Olly drawled, which was not wholly reassuring between his James-Bond-villain English accent, his intense mismatched eyes, and the way he was eyeing Fitz. If looks could hex, that one would have.
Fitz sighed at the sensation, and was wishing they weren't in a very public bar there and then. Sadly a certain level of decency was called for, as much as he wished he could act on the thoughts in his head. "I'm happy enough to wait until we can grab something to eat together." His eyes flicked up when he noticed Evie and Olly a second before Alex jumped--which may have caused him to smile a little.
It had sounded friendly enough but he wasn't stupid and knew friendly or no that he might still end up being interrogated over his intentions or what have you. What Olly had said really did not sound the least bit reassuring, and yet he didn't feel the least bit intimidated and couldn't stop himself from letting out a snort of laughter when he realised what Olly's expression reminded me of. "Sorry, but I've got to say I know someone I grew up around that has a way better resting murder face than that, and if I'm not put off by his I doubt you've got any chance of it either," he said with a laughing grin. "Though it was a pretty good attempt nonetheless, and it's good to know Alex has friends watching out for him."
Clearly he was not going to get his friends to leave his date alone, but it was something of a relief that Fitz seemed to be taking it in good humor. Still, Alex shook his head, sighed and gave Fitz an apologetic look. "Sorry. Don't let them scare you away, okay?" He kissed his cheek quickly and slid out of the booth, giving Evie and Olly a silent warning look.
Fitz smiled. "Don't worry. I promise to still be here when you get back."
Evie eased into the booth on Fitz's right side and Olly on his left. "So Fitz," Evie started pleasantly enough, "Alex tells me you're a friend of Tony W." Olly scowled at just the sound of his name, and Evie smiled across at him before fixing her own even gaze on Fitz again. "Would you say you're a lot like him?"
While he might not feel intimidated that wasn't to say he wasn't feeling a tiny bit uneasy when he found himself kind of sandwiched between Alex's bandmates. "Well, no. I am black after all," he replied deadpanned. Something in the way the question was asked told him there was a lot more to Tony and Alex having dated than he really knew. "Look I don't know all of what went on between Tony and Alex, or why they broke up, so I'm not sure what you're wanting me to say exactly."
"Your friend cheated on Alex," Evie informed him baldly. "Right here in this bar."
Olly clenched his fist around his beer bottle, still scowling. "During a bloody set!" The way he said it, it was clear that was almost as unforgivable as the cheating itself. "The bastard had the nerve to snog some floozy right under our bloody noses. Alex was gutted. If Malachi hadn't held me back..." He shot Fitz a meaningfully murderous look, like it was his fault his friend had acted so despicably.
Evie shook her head at the drummer. "So, Fitz, you can see why we might be concerned about him hooking up with a friend of -- well, any asshole, really, but that asshole in particular."
Well. That hadn't been what he'd expecting to hear. On the other hand, it certainly explained a lot as to why Evie and Olly were acting the way they were. Fitz pinched the bridge of his nose and could be heard muttering something in Greek that may or may not have been about what he wanted to do or say to Tony right then. He sighed as he rubbed at his forehead. "Yeah, don't worry I get why you'd be concerned about that, and if I'd been in your shoes back then I probably would've wanted to hit him too."
The sum total of his relationships may have been one night stands and casual hookups but there'd definitely never been a moment where he'd even considered cheating--either purposefully or by simply living in the moment. "Firstly, I hadn't known that or the fact that they'd even dated when we hooked up. Secondly, I don't blame either of you feeling the way you do but Tony's still a friend and that's probably not going to change," he told them both. "Lastly, you've got no reason to believe me, even if it is the truth, but I'm not like that at all. If something was to happen I'd be upfront and not y'know be a complete dick about it."
Fitz took a moment to polish off the last of the ginger beer he'd been nursing. "Look, I don't know what this-" He said gesturing between himself and the general direction of where he assumed Alex was. "-is going to be or not but I do really like Alex, and I wouldn't want to hurt him or anything."
Evie eyed him skeptically for a minute over her own water, and then shrugged at Olly. "I don't know, what do you think? He seems sincere enough."
"They always do," Olly answered darkly, still glowering at Fitz. "They all use the same lines, too. I don't want to hurt him -- give it up, mate, that's derivative schlock." He hit the table with his open palm in emphasis. "Alex is an amazing bloke who has amazingly terrible taste in men, which is where we come in. Mark me, Proudfoot, if you jerk him around there will be consequences."
"I love it when you get growly like that," Evie told him, grinning.
Fitz's hand, that had been idly tapping against his leg, clenched into a fist. Not because he wanted to hit the other hand but more to stop himself from yelling back at Olly. Didn't like the fact that his intentions were being questioned and judged - even if Alex's friends were within their right to considering what had happened. If not for Alex he might've responded and asked Olly if he was done posturing--but he didn't. "Understood," he said with a forced smile. He got the impression it'd be a long while before the other man would even begin to trust him with his friend.
Fidgeting in his seat slightly he reached up to scratch his chest where the bandages were starting to itch a little. "So, is that the end of the interrogating, or is there going to be a round two?"
"Nope, I'm good," Evie told him, smiling. "Ol?"
Olly finished his beer and looked hard at Fitz for another moment, and then he shrugged and slid out of the booth. "Fine. You know where I stand." He stood, shoving his hands into his jacket pockets. "Enjoy the rest of the show." His facial expression and tone did not at all match the words.
Evie stood, too, flicking her bright curls back behind her shoulder. "Olly is actually a great singer, but you can see why we don't let him be our frontman." She raised an eyebrow at Fitz. "When you see Tony W again, say hi from me, and remind him to go to hell."
Fitz nodded to Olly. Well, that could've gone a lot worse, and fortunately he hadn't gotten punched so he was counting that as a blessing. He snorted at Evie's comment. It was a bit of an understatement. "Gladly, and good luck with the rest of the show."
There were probably a few choice words of his own he wanted to tell Tony the next time he saw him. The fact that it had happened two years ago, and that they seemed to have patched things up now, didn't seem to matter at all in the face of a monumentally dickish move on Tony's part.
He was hoping Alex would return soon enough because he really didn't want to end up snapping at his bandmates, if the others decided to interrogate him as well, when they were just trying to look out for him.
Evie slung her arm around Olly's waist and led him away, but Fitz wasn't alone for long: just a couple of minutes later the short and irrepressible Tigerlily slid into the seat next to him without asking. "What is Fitz short for?" she asked without preamble.
Malachi, who was following more sedately with a beer and a basket of fries in hand, stopped next to the booth to give Fitz a wry smile. "I think she meant: hi, mind if we join you?" He slid the fries onto the table. "Peace offering. You look like you could use it, after getting worked over by those two." He jerked his head in the direction of Evie and Olly, who were now chatting with a couple of fans in the back of the bar. Well, Evie was chatting; Olly was mostly glowering and leaning moodily against the wall, but it seemed to work for him.
Fitz blinked both at the sudden company and the question. Malachi got in before he could reply to Tigerlily, and he gave the older man a smile. "That's fine really," he replied. "And thanks. I mean, I get why they did that but y'know..." He reached over and pinched a couple fries before popping them into his mouth. "And Fitz is short for Fitzwilliam," he said, answering Tigerlily's question. "My mum she... she kind of had an Austen thing." His mum was kind of an uneasy subject--even when talking about better and happier times with her.
"Ooh, Mr. Darcy," Tigerlily commented. "I never understood the attraction when I read the book, but then I saw the movie, and now I understand." She took a couple of fries and chewed meditatively, adopting a faraway look.
"I still don't," Malachi said with a shrug, sitting down across from Fitz. "Just doesn't do it for me. Guy didn't have to be such a snob." He smiled at Fitz, casual and friendly. "My wife's a sucker for a period romance," he added in explanation. "Not my thing, but I'm happy if she's happy." He sipped at his beer. "So how are you liking the show, man?"
Fitz gave a slight shrug. "Not really my thing either. Thankfully I only got a first name although if I used all of my given names ever it'd be a bit of a mouthful." He grabbed another few fries for himself. "But on the Austen thing? I got off light compared to one of my friends back home. His mum is really into Austen to the point that he and his siblings all got named for characters from her novels - first and middle names."
"It's great. I mean, I haven't really had the chance to go to any gigs or concerts in the last few years so it's been a real treat in that respect," he replied cheerfully. "And it's definitely been great finally seeing Alex perform. He'd told me he could sing and was in a band but I hadn't had the chance to see, or hear, it for myself until now." He smiled fondly. "He's a lot more talented than he let on."
"Yeah, he's got a set of pipes on him, that's for sure." Malachi eyed Fitz over his beer. "You guys known each other long?"
Fitz gulped nervously. He wasn't sure why, because Malachi didn't seem that much older than himself, but he was getting distinct dad vibes from the guy. "Um, not really?" he answered honestly, if slightly apprehensive of the possible reaction such an answer would receive. "We only met a couple weeks ago up in Billings."
The older man held up his hands pacifyingly. "Hey, don't worry, I'm not here to give you the third degree. I'd guess you already got that from Evie. Anyway, Alex is an adult, he can make his own decisions, and it's nothing to do with me."
Tigerlily hummed lightly. "He doesn't always make the best decisions about guys," she added fairly, "but I think you're nice. We like him, don't we?"
Malachi chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, I'd say we like him well enough. So you're from Northwest, huh? What do you do up there?"
"I think it was Olly I was more worried about to be honest," he commented with a slightly nervous laugh.
Fitz sighed. "So I've just found out. At least about one guy who in the coincidences of all coincidences happens to be my best friend. So slightly weird and awkward seem to be the feelings du jour." It had been one thing to know his best friend had dated Alex in the past, and he was more than fine with that. Finding out that said best friend cheated on him, and did so pretty much right in front of him was another thing entirely.
"Yeah, in Snowcap - small town up in the Beartooth Mountains that's across the lake from the Brightstar Reserve," he replied. Fitz had fidgeted slightly at the other question - mostly because he knew how it must look when people got told what he did. "I... I'm working in the reserve's gift shop at the moment... I made a kind of questionable life choice last month - it was the right thing to do just not done in the right way. So when I got home I figured it might pay to lay low for a while - so to speak." And that had been more than he'd intended to say, and quickly snagged a few more fries to eat before he really got into it.
"Huh," was all Malachi said to that last bit, and he sipped again at his beer, non-judgmentally. "Alex did mention you were friends with Tony, who is kind of persona non grata around here these days."
"I like him," Tigerlily added. "I still follow his Wizgram. He's fun, and he's just so cute, and Alex is still friends with him, so I don't see why I shouldn't be." She grabbed some more fries. "He's dating a doctor now. Did you ever date him, Fitzwilliam?"
Fitz nodded in understanding. He'd received that message loud and clear, and didn't blame Alex's bandmates one bit for it.
He looked at Tigerlily as if she'd suddenly grown another head. "Uh no. Definitely definitely no," he answered vehemently with a shake of his head. "Tony's a great friend and all, don't get me wrong, but definitely never felt the inclination to date him or anything. Not sure exactly what I'll say when I next see him..."
The older man nodded thoughtfully, and had opened his mouth to say something when Tigerlily jumped up again. "Time to go!" she said, and grabbed a few more fries to shove in her mouth on the way. "It was nice to talk to you," she said through a mouthful of potato. "I hope you stick around."
Malachi stood up as well, reaching for Fitz's hand for a firm shake. "Glad you're enjoying the show. We'll see you later."
Fitz blinked owlishly at Tigerlily for a second before shaking his head and chuckling. "It was nice to talk to you too." He gave the slightly older man a smile and shook his hand. "See you later then. And good luck with the rest of the set."
As he ate a few more of the fries he thought that at least that hadn't gone as 'badly' as the chat with Evie and Olly, or that at least some of the band weren't immediately distrustful of him just because he happened to be friends with Tony. He was still kind of trying to wrap his head around that one; why Tony would do that, why Tony never mentioned that when had told him about Alex before realising the Alex's they'd gone out with were one and the same--though he guessed he never mentioned because it was either the past, or because... well, nobody enjoys being seen in a bad light.
There was no denying that he was disappointed when he heard the band starting to warm up on stage. After everything he'd kind of been hoping to talk to Alex before he was due back on stage but he guessed he was going to have to wait until after they'd finished for that to happen.
~~
The second set wound down with a soft, sweet acoustic number, one of Olly's best work, at least in Alex's opinion. He smiled out at the mellowed crowd as the band took them out into the last few notes, with Tigerlily extemporizing gloriously on her mandolin, and when his eyes met Fitz's that smile grew until he was practically lit up from the inside.
Watching Alex on stage and seeing that smile he just adored only made his own smile grow. Alex seemed confident most of the time but seeing him up there performing was just a whole other level of confidence, and one he had to admit was kind of sexy. Well, it was that or just watching that glowing smile on Alex's face that did him in.
As the final set finished Fitz let off another loud whistle before cheering and applauding along with the rest of the crowd.
"That's all from us," he called out over the cheers and applause. "Thanks, everybody, you've been amazing. Don't forget to tip your waitress and bartender. They work hard. We'll have merch for sale in back, and don't forget to follow the Midnight Pixies on Wizgram and Terpsichore to find out about our upcoming shows. Make sure to stick around for the Charm Brigade, who'll come on stage at eleven."
It took a while, between bows, teardown, and mingling with new and old fans, but eventually Alex left Malachi to deal with the business end and Evie and Bianca to sell the merch and made it back to Fitz, still beaming. Performing was always a rush and he was filled with electric energy and more confidence than ever, and without even second-guessing his impulses once, he slid into Fitz's lap, wrapped his arms around his neck, and kissed him.
Fitz started tapping his foot trying to distract him from the relatively short time he knew it would be before Alex was actually able to come back to the booth where he was seated. Fitz grinned widely the moment he spotted Alex, and was, though very pleasantly surprised, a little taken aback by what Alex did next and hissed at the sudden flare of pain. Not that he was willing to let that stop him for a second from returning the kiss and wrapping his arms around Alex's waist, or from his thumb instinctively rubbing little circles in the small of the other man's back. After a moment he reluctantly pulled back only so far as so he could speak but still close enough that Alex's face was barely a couple inches away. "I was going to go with a 'Well, hi there.' but... ow," he said with a slight chuckle, sounding only a little wheezed.
"Oh, shit -- sorry," Alex said, and eased off him, smiling apologetically, though he didn't take his arm from around Fitz's neck and he stayed close. "You okay? How did you like the show?" He leaned up to steal another quick kiss, and drew back to grin at him. "Are you a Midnight Pixies fan now? Can I sell you one of our T-shirts? One of Tigerlily's HAHA friends did the design. It's legit a work of art."
"Hey, it's okay. No real harm done or anything," he murmured, still an arm around Alex's waist. "I'm good, promise. And I definitely enjoyed the show even aside from the parts of just watching you." Fitz smiled after the kiss before laughing at the teeny tiny barrage of questions. "I don't know, can I be a fan after just one performance? But seriously though, you guys were great-- you were great --and I'm really glad I didn't have to miss out on it, and I will definitely be buying a t-shirt."
Fitz then remembered what he found out earlier thanks to his bandmates but looking at Alex, and seeing how happy he was right then, he couldn't quite bring himself to ruin the mood by telling him that he knew. "Soooo..." he drawled, silently asking if there was more waiting to be had or not.
"So," Alex answered, meeting his eyes, still smiling. "You want to get out of here? The next band is pretty good, I've been to a few of their shows and it's always a good time, so we could stay if you want. But I'm starving, so if you're ready to go we could walk down the beach to get some grub on the way back to my place." He beamed at Fitz, leaning a little on his shoulder. "There's this little cart on the boardwalk that does amazing carne asada tacos. Their guacamole is from heaven. I'm serious."
"Yes!" Then he smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, did I say that too excitedly? Not that I wouldn't mind seeing the next band and all but... I could go for something more than fries, and if I'm being perfectly honest-- and admitting my complete selfishness --actually spending time with just you would be great." Fitz's thumb was massaging tiny circles against Alex's back again. "So tacos sounds great. Plus you'll get to show me at least a little of San Diego before we go back to yours."
Alex sighed, his eyes gone a little heavy-lidded at that touch. "Yeah," he agreed dreamily. "Okay. Let's do that." He tilted his head up for another kiss, and didn't break away until someone passing by wolf-whistled, and then he laughed and hid his face in Fitz's shoulder for a moment. "Let's get out of here."
Fitz murmured appreciatively, losing himself to the moment. At least until they were 'caught', and his nose scrunched up in embarrassment even as he laughed with Alex. "Yeah, let's."
He took Fitz's hand again as they left, without more than a wave goodbye to the band. Bianca nodded, Malachi waved, Tigerlily was too busy chatting with the bartender to notice, Evie smirked, and Olly glowered and made an 'I'm watching you' sign at Fitz.
Outside in the relatively cool night air, Alex drew Fitz's arm around his waist again, cozying up to his side as he led him down the boardwalk, which was lit up with charmed lights. "Thanks again for coming, and I'm sorry for leaving you to fend for yourself," he told him. "I saw everybody cornered you -- I hope it wasn't too bad."
There was a split second where he froze at Olly's glower before he waved goodbye to him as well. There was no denying that he was a little relieved to not be on the receiving end of any more of his glaring--warranted as it was given everything.
Fitz smiled, and more than happily complied with Alex directing his arm back around his waist. "You don't need to thank me - I wanted to come, remember? And don't worry about it they were great... well, okay Evie and Olly were pretty protective but..." He trailed off and sighed because he really hadn't wanted to bring it up. "Um... geez," he muttered, as he frustratedly rubbed at his temple with his free hand. "Alex, I really didn't want to bring it up not when the night's been so good, and seeing that amazing smile of yours but... they might've told me why it was you and Tony broke up."
"...Oh," Alex said after a pregnant pause, and looked away, watching another couple walking hand in hand along the beach. "Well… I wish they hadn't done that. I'm sorry. He's your friend - I don't want to cause conflict between you." He sighed, less happily this time. "Look, it was a while ago, and I was really hurt at the time, but I'm over it. I kind of wish my friends would get over it, too."
"Hey... hey," he murmured, reaching up with his free hand and using his thumb against Alex's jaw to turn his head. "Whatever happens, whatever I say or... do to Tony the next time I see him, that's not on you. Not even a little bit okay? So there's no need for you to apologise." Fitz brushed his thumb soothingly along Alex's jaw. "They're just worried for you, and to be honest if I was in their shoes I would be too. Heck, I'm not and... I could just rail at Tony for having done that - no matter that it was a while ago or not."
Alex looked up at him, his brow creasing. "Okay, no. You do not have to -- to fight for my honor, or whatever. Honestly, Fitz, that macho bullshit is just…" He frowned. "Please don't, all right? I'm a grown adult. I make my own choices, my own mistakes, and I really don't need protecting, whatever Evie and Olly might think." He drew a deep breath, leaning into Fitz's side and tightening his arm around his waist. "Look, I just want to have a nice time with you, and I don't want to think about this right now. It hurt, it was humiliating, but it's in the past and I want to enjoy the present, so can we just… not?"
Fitz's brow furrowed a moment closely followed by his eyes going wide. "Wait, what? No no no. Oh Merlin, no, I didn't mean I was actually going to fight him," he responded, as he tried to reassure Alex. "I promise you I don't want to fight Tony - at all. I mean, I might want to hit him in the shoulder or just glare at him a lot for a bit but I'm not going to fight him."
Nevermind the fact that given his week he really wasn't up for any more fighting whatsoever.
"I'm sorry, I didn't want to say anything because of that." Fitz sighed as he leaned into Alex's side with his thumb idly brushing just above his hip. "All I want is a great weekend with you. So I agree - let's just leave it, and enjoy everything while I'm here."
Fitz turned his head to smile at Alex. "And onto a happier note, I believe I was all but promised some great tacos," he reminded Alex, smiling even as he arched an eyebrow. "So I'm thinking you lead us in that direction and I buy us some belated dinner, we can walk around a bit, talk as you show me some of San Diego, and then we can head back to your place - what do you think?"
Alex smiled back at him after a minute, putting his shoulders back and resolving to put cheating exes, interfering friends, and misguided chivalry out of his mind for the moment. "I think that would be perfect," he told Fitz, and leaned up to kiss him once more. "I really, really do."
So it's not really important to anyone else, and unless Fitz or Alex spill the beans then it'll probably stay between just them, but I thought it was a shame for y'all to not see what Calli and I decided happened during the rest of Fitz's time in San Diego with Alex.
The Rest of the Weekend!
Friday Night
Tacos were had, obviously.
A bit of San Diego at night was also seen.
Happier conversational topics were had
And they went back to Alex's.
And then... 😉 Alex discovers every injury Fitz is hiding and kisses them all better. <3 (*sniffles* Alex is the best!)
Saturday
Beach! Sun! Sand! Surf!
More tacos! (Fish tacos = not to be missed when in SD ) (and Fitz would remind him he was promised fish tacos! )
The zoo?? (GIANT PANDAS!) (plus zoo today makes for having a lazy Sunday tomorrow 😉)
Alex getting distracted by work e-mails :/ Fitz can reclaim his attention pretty easily, though (distraction is a plan Fitz is on board with!)
Like a nice dinner out somewhere, maybe with live music because you know Alex likes that (um yes!)
Walking dessert (ice cream mannnn) (i think you have a little something... there...)AWW
Clubbing! At a no-maj club because those are better
Getting a little frisky in the club (ooh la la!)
Getting a lot frisky when home from the club ;) ;) ;)
Sunday
PANCAKES:D
Well, after lazily waking up and not wanting to get out of bed first
Famous Sunday morning blowjobs before famous Sunday morning pancakes (not that he would admit to being famous for blowjobs, that's not really a thing even if it should be) (hey, Fitz would be very appreciative of it and praise him a lot. Okay maybe not the last bit-- well, not publicly anyway --but y'know)(Alex enjoys praise… he enjoys it a LOT)
Though Fitz possibly falls back asleep for a bit, wakes up once again, walks out to find Alex cooking the pancakes and also being all this (YES he totally would)
idk can they just stay in all day ;)
Lazy Sunday ftw
Alex playing his keyboard and singing to Fitz <3 (Fitz may have to kiss him for this. Lots. #sorrynotsorry)(lots of kissing may lead to not getting out for that walk, haha)
They might leave Alex's place for a walk, and Fitz gets the neighbourhood tour
Okay, but then Alex insists on ordering in dinner. Like Thai or something easy to eat in bed. (Fitz will not apologise for kissing off any drops of sauce left behind) ;)
Some last kisses before he leaves and discussions of when Alex will come up to Snowcap for date #3 (although technically this weekend may have been a whole bunch of dates and not just one, idk) (well friday counts as 1. Saturday is like 6 if you break it down, 5 if you put beach and tacos together. Sunday is one big date?)(Hahaha okay, so date… 10)(something like that 😂)