Ehren didn’t really know how to cook for himself but after Dorian had cooked for him, he was anxious to get better at it so he could return the favor. From the library he picked out at least four cookbooks to try and make a few of these recipes. He was planning on a picnic for their first date and while that wasn’t the original plan, he was glad Dorian had to cancel so that he had more time to think. He just hoped whatever family situation he was in would be resolved soon.
He’d decided on five different recipes so that they could have some options to choose from. Reading off his list in the grocery store, he noticed there were a lot of vegetables to get so he made his way to the fresh produce.
Who should be shopping there but Dani’s new boyfriend slash government employee Roman. Ehren did not want to see Roman and while they’d met once or twice it was only ever briefly. It wasn’t until he saw the other man look his way had he realized he was caught. Maybe if he went around and searched for the other items he could ignore him long enough to get his shopping done.
Roman had been out of the office only moments when the need for a few things came about. His phone had come out to let him know the highlights of the day now behind him. Something specific was calling his taste buds and while he wasn’t the five Michelin Star culinary artist he knew how to determine a pallet.
A few things went into the basket slung over an arm when he looked up, spotting Ehren. Fighting a look of disgust he made himself smile, wave. “Ehren!” He called, trying to get the other man’s attention. “Over here!” He didn’t care if he was embarrassing the other man, that was actually what he wanted to do.
Quickly he closed the distance between them, that same smile plastered across his face. He peered down at the other man kindly, “Doing some shopping?” Eyes would drop to the few contents already in Ehren’s basket, and he glanced back up at someone, “Trying to impress someone? Good for you!”
Looking down at his cart he struggled to search his mind for something to say. “Uh, yeah I have a date and we’re going to go on a picnic.” He hoped he could drop it after that. The less Roman knew the better, and he didn’t want Dorian anywhere near him. Who knew if they already knew each other anyway. Ehren could take the embarrassment but he didn’t want to pawn Roman off on him.
“How are you doing, Roman? I heard you and Dani got together. Congratulations man, she’s as good as it gets.” There was a tinge of a warning in there, though Ehren would never truly threaten Roman or else he might end up incarcerated or worse.
He had a sneaking suspicion Roman had heard about his detainment, no doubt he heard about a lot of things that happened on this Island. He never had any real reason to distrust Roman, but his gut always clenched when he saw him, like something bad was going to happen.
A predatory grin was given, large and intimidating. “A picnic? You must let me help you choose a wine appropriate for your setting,” he remarked, waving a hand in the direction of the bottles. He was not dropping this. Had he known the person in question was a mutual interest he would’ve taken this with more gumption.
“Oh, I’m much better now, thank you for asking,” he proposed before nodding toward the wine section.
“Yes, she’s amazing.” And that was all he had to say about that. It was none of Ehren’s business beyond that.
“Are you coming or what? No need to disappoint your date now.”
Roman wasn’t letting this go, it was clear he was going to have to play along and that Roman was going to completely bask in Ehren’s level of comfort. He reluctantly followed Roman to the wine section, wondering how he was going to get out of this. Roman was dangerous to be around, and Ehren was genuinely frightened every single time they were in the same place together.
“You know, he’s not really much of a drinker, I was just going to bring some lemonade or something.” What he actually liked was light drinks with small amounts of alcohol but Roman didn’t need to know that. Sure he could bring wine but it something like that might suggest that Ehren wanted to get him drunk, which he didn’t.
Like a cobra he’d sank his fangs deep into Ehren. There was no way he was letting this go so easily.
Wandering toward the wine section Roman browsed. “So, tell me more about this picnic. What are you serving? And who are you hosting? That will tell me a lot about your choice in wine. You don’t want to get the wrong thing and have a bad time, do you?” His eyes fell to the shorter man for prompting.
He. The little one said he. Roman was tickled. His expression didn’t change, however. “Lemonade? To a date? Are you five?”
Ehren cringed at all the questions. Roman was a liaison for the residents of the island so he’d probably know each and every resident if not personally than at least by name. It was impossible to make someone up because he would know. “I’m making a caprese salad, a cheese and fruit plate, some sandwiches.” He began with the first question, since it seemed an innocent enough thing to answer. The next one was the one he didn’t want to answer.
“His names Dorian.” And the cat was out of the bag. He hoped he would leave it alone and that there was no connection there. Anyway, he’d let Roman pick out a wine for him and just leave it at home to give to Dani later. It didn’t matter if Roman was trying to help him, he didn’t want his help.
Ehren’s assumption was correct - Roman was supposed to know everyone by face if not by name. That was part of his job and also why he’d been hand selected (above other reasons) to take the role. His memory was whip sharp and little slipped past him.
He considered selections on the shelf based on what Ehren was describing the plan was for the picnic dinner. It wasn’t as if this were a vast superstore with endless options, or the cellar beneath their home which boasted aged pieces. But he would find something appropriate.
Nearly snorting at the name dropped, his lips curled into a smile. A looker like Dorian deserves far better than a weasel like Ehren but Roman didn’t let that show. “Ah yes, Dorian. He and I know each other personally. We are good friends. We have a lot of similar interests in reading selections, and he’s got the prettiest eyes.” They were also the same height.
Bypassing any statements further Roman reached out and plucked a bottle from the shelf, holding it up, “This would be a good choice. It's Sauvignon Blanc. A dry, sweet white wine. It’ll also pair well with your cheese and fruit without being overwhelming. Unless you preferred red?”
Just as he expected, Roman had something to say about Dorian. He didn’t like the way he said that they knew each other personally or the comment on his eyes. He was right of course but for someone who was supposed to be in a relationship with Dani, it sure as hell didn’t sound like he was. “Yeah he’s a great person.” Ehren replied since all Roman seemed to comment about was the way he looked. Of course, Dorian was stunning but he was also a good person with a nice personality and that was the thing Ehren was most attracted to.
Dani liked her reds and if he was going to eventually give her the wine her boyfriend picked out, he might as well make a wine she liked. “Red is actually more preferable, wine and cheese, you know.” A general wave of his hand toward the cheeses he had in his basket. He really hoped Dani would be able to see through his facade at some point, to leave this piece of shit behind in the dust, but he wasn’t her mother.
The truth was that he loved Dani, more than a romantic way because they shared a bond that had never been broken. If he had to live away from everything he’d choose to spend that time with Dani, because she was so important to him.
There was no harm in admiring another person for specific traits - that was a normal occurrence, noticing details of other people that perhaps might strike interest or beauty into the mind of another. Being admired was a good thing in his opinion. He was interested in personality, too, but this conversation wasn’t designed for comraderie on the subject.
At the comment about the wine, Roman offered a sly look, “That is true, but it depends on your cheese. You don’t want something too heady or bold overpowering your pallet.” The dry would pair with the salad, which he assumed would be mostly the main course, but the bottle went back to the shelf. “If you’re leaning red you probably don’t want a Merlot. Too bold for your selection there, but then again I am no connoisseur.”
It seemed they had common interests. Dani was probably the only person on the island Roman could claim to actually care about in any sense of formality. While they were “dating” he and Dani weren’t necessarily exclusive. Neither had brought up the subject of titles or the guidelines, they weren’t there yet. His plan was to set things up to where she would belong solely to him but this was not yet that moment.
Ehren wished more than anything that Roman would just pick a wine for him and let him go. Now more than ever he feared Roman. Only a week ago he’d told Dani about his ability and if Roman ever found out it would be bad news. “I don’t know anything about wine so you’ve got a leg up on me at least.” He offered. He didn’t want Roman to know how he felt about him so he did his best to hide his disdain.
Merlot, Pinot noir, Shiraz, he didn’t really care what the other man picked out, just as long as it made this process as brief as possible. “Did you do anything for the 4th?” He asked, trying to veer away from the subject of Dorian as much as possible. He’d be damned if he let Roman, the government employee, Skye talk about the man he liked in such a way.
Seeking a red to pair with the cheese settled in Ehren’s basket he took his time, allowing his focus to settle on the racks. He was drawing the moment out purposefully, knowing that the other man didn’t prefer his company. That could be said for Roman, as well, that he chose those who were allowed in his presence carefully. Ehren was not one of those but opportunity was not one to be squandered.
“Spent a little bit of time with Daniela, but otherwise no. I’m not particularly fond of those sorts of celebrations,” he admitted though he didn’t offer a reason.
And his relationship with Dani was none of Ehren’s business though it wasn’t beyond Roman to brag. Clearly.
Finally a bottle was chosen. He set it into Ehren’s basket and turned to look down at the other man, the smile of a Cheshire Cat splitting open his face. “There. That one will be perfect. Let me know how Dorian enjoys it. Or I might ask him myself later.” A casual shrug was given.
A courteous smile came to his face as he surveyed the bottle. “Great well, thanks Roman. Have a great rest of your day.” He offered and pushed his cart back toward the produce section to pick up the rest of what he needed. His stomach was still twisted in knots, like he imagined it would always be when he was around the other man.
As he turned on his heels he feared for Dani, he knew she had no idea what lay behind that predatory grin and something told him it wouldn’t be pretty once the two of them were more serious. Maybe he could convince her it wasn’t a good idea, now before it was too late.
“Oh you’re welcome,” he purred, nodding at Ehren, “I hope your date goes swimmingly. Let me know, won’t you?”
With that a hand would be raised as the man scurried away. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride at the speed at which Ehren was racing to get away. Amusement twinkled in his eyes. Oh what a delicious web he was weaving with the residents. It made for a good story on its own.
Turning to the basket he carried, Roman examined the contents before he pivoted on the heel of an expensive leather shoe and was off to retrieve the rest of what was left on his own shopping list.