Who: Brad and Ian When: Saturday, September 30 Where: Seaview Village and Oysterfest Warnings: None Status: Complete
Brad stood in front of the mirror in his bathroom, despite the somber start to the day his spirits were still pretty high. Mario was leaving - his mother was unwell back in Texas and he had to go back home to look after her, as sad as Brad was to see the other man go he understood, family always came first - even his own. As a parting gift he organized flights to get Mario from Bangor to Dallas as well as road transfers, Brad knew that old van wouldn’t make the almost 2000 mile journey, the furniture and other belongings could be sent down via a removalist company if Mario wanted them, even the van. After one last romp at Mario’s they parted ways, promising to keep in contact and maybe catch up again one day - he had never visited the Lone Star State.
Returning to his own place Brad showered and looked through his wardrobe for something appropriate to wear, he had a lunchtime date and he wanted to look his best. Three different outfits later he finally decided on a navy blue collared shirt and the new dark wash jeans that he had bought in Vegas but were as yet unworn, it was only Oysterfest - not the Ritz. Once he was dressed he put a bit of product in his hair and fussed over his reflection, it just to be just right! Time seemed to crawl, minutes felt like hours, and noon still seemed to be a long time away. Brad was wondering what Ian was doing at this moment - if he had the slight twinge of butterflies too or couldn’t figure out what to wear if the word ‘date’ was putting more emphasis on the whole thing than was really warranted and of course… was he overdressed? With a loud sigh, he left the bedroom and walked out to the sunroom, taking a seat on his recliner he grabbed the book that sat on the stand nearby and began to read, anything to pass the time.
Ian was not the type to let the day get away from him. In anticipation of the date later on with Brad he plunged headfirst into the sunlight and morning hours. He was usually at work, a task in itself that helped him get through hours without waste. Since he was off Ian set to the task of cleaning his house. It’d been a while since he tended to it. It felt good to accomplish something even if it felt like a menial task to someone else.
Speck was shooed outside, and the Dalmatian ended up wandering off during some point in the morning. It ended up on Brad’s porch, laying down with its head on its paws.
Once the house was cleaned to his satisfaction Ian showered and went through his own dilemma of trying to find exactly the right outfit. Oyster fest wasn’t the nicest place, the day was perfect for it but he didn’t want to seem too eager. Settling on a short sleeved, navy button up and jeans, Ian pulled on some comfortable boots and a light jacket. It was quickly approaching twelve, he was ready to get a move on.
He looked for his dog, needing to put him in the house and not finding him anywhere. Ian went to the truck, started it up, and cruised on down the street in hopes of finding the spotted menace. And of course there he was on Brad’s porch looking happy as a clam. Ian pulled into the driveway and climbed out of the truck.
Brad had noticed the spotted companion at his door earlier and although he wanted to let the pooch inside he instead put a bowl of water outside incase Speck got thirsty, he had also brought some treats - rawhide bones, pig's ears and the like for when the dog and it’s master visited but didn't give them without Ian's permission and as his master wasn't there Speck would just have to wait.
When he heard the truck pull into his driveway behind his own car he looked up from his book, seeing it was Ian he smiled, took his glasses off and set both the book and glasses down on the side table next to his chair. He walked over to the corner of the glass room closest to the driveway and motioned for the other man to come inside before turning and putting his socks and boots on.
Ian offered a wave and a smile. He couldn’t help the way his heart fluttered upon seeing Brad.
As beckoned he made his way into the house followed by Speck at his heels. “Hey,” Ian said, sliding out of his boots lest he track dirt inside the house. Speck wasn’t nearly as polite.
The dog climbed up onto the couch and laid down. Ian laughed softly, “Sorry about him.”
There was a similar fluttering in Brad's chest as he watched Ian walk around the porch area to the door, he would say he felt like a teenager but honestly, he never had a teen crush, he always too busy with studying. A college crush maybe, although he had never acted on it, again too busy with his head in a book.
He watched as Speck marched right in and curled up on the couch, he couldn't help but chuckle. “He's not stupid, he knows he's welcome here.” Brad walked over to the cupboard where he kept the dog treats. “Can I give him something to keep him entertained while we're out?” He asked, pulling out a dried pig's ear from the bag and showing it to Ian.
An eye roll came as a response, playful but all for the spotted dog. “He may be welcome but he still knows better.” Ian had worked with that dog day and night to instil some sort of manners in him.
The mention of treats didn’t fall on deaf ears and before Ian had a chance to formulate a reply Speck was skittering across the floor toward Brad and those coveted treats. This time Ian did laugh. He approached the pair, “I guess that is the only necessary answer.”
Speck barked excitedly, pawing at Brad’s leg. It’s tail wagged.
Ian sighed in amusement. A hand settled on the small of Brad’s back. This day was off to a good start.
Brad didn't mind, Speck was better behaved than some humans he knew and even though he hadn't spent a lot of time with the dog (other than when Ian and he had spent time together earlier in the week, either on the couch or bed they always had a spotty shadow) he was feeling some attachment towards the dog.
“Sit…” He said as Speck pawed at his leg. When the dog sat he smiled. “Bien!!” Was added in French before he let the dog have the treat.
When Speck trotted back to the couch with his treat Brad turned to Ian, the hand on his back more than welcome. “He's happy, should we head off?” Not that there was any rush, they wouldn't sell out of oysters anytime soon. He leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to the other man's cheek.
Speck tilted its head at the odd word that followed the command. Ian smirked, just watching the two interact. They needed to spend more time together, Brad and Speck, which meant Ian needed to be around more. He didn’t want to assume anything, it didn't’ seem like the right thing to do.
He watched Speck go back to the couch and then turned back to Brad. “Sure, let’s go.” That kiss to his cheek warmed him, he felt delighted by the gesture. Turning, Ian pulled away. “My car or yours?”
Brad wouldn't say no to time with Ian or with Speck, maybe later he'd tell Ian that if he had to go somewhere that didn't allow dogs Speck was welcome to stay with him. But if Ian wanted to come over and spend some time together Brad would always welcome it.
“How about yours? It's closer to the road, but if you want to sample some of the alcoholic delights I can always drive us back.” Brad said as Ian pulled away, he usually didn’t drink but maybe he'd try one of the fancy beers but only a small one, it was a bit of a special occasion after all. Getting his wallet, phone and keys from the kitchen bench he smiled as he walked out towards the door.
He didn’t mind driving, drinking was something he didn’t do much of or often, he wasn’t worried about getting too drunk to drive. The reason he was going was to be around Brad, not really so much for the oysters.
“Sure. I probably won't drink, I try not to if I know I’m going to be driving. Home is different.” He was responsible, his siblings weren’t always. Ian took one of Brad’s hands after he got his shoes on, leading the man out to his truck.
When they were safely in Ian backed out of the driveway and headed the direction of Oysterfest.
He gave Ian's hand a squeeze after he locked the door and was led to the truck. When they were driving along Brad looked out the window at the houses and trees pass by. The butterflies had returned to his stomach when he realized this was not only his first proper date in ages but it was also the first time he had gone out on a date with someone in town, ever. He couldn't think of anyone better than Ian to be with him.
When they arrived Brad looked over at Ian. “So… anything, in particular, you want to investigate? Or we just going to walk around and look at things?” He asked while it was originally his idea to have an Oysterfest date he wanted to let Ian decide what they did after all Brad had absolutely no idea what Oysterfest would be like because of the amount of time he had spent out of town and therefore completely out of the loop.
Ian grasped hold of Brad’s hand as they walked. He didn’t care who was looking, that didn’t matter to him. “I think the fun part is just walking around and looking at everything. This is a festival, there’s a lot going on that you don’t want to miss and will if you aren’t looking.” He wanted to share the whole experience with Brad.
He lifted Brad’s hand up, pressing a series of fast, playful kisses against the skin before he dropped their hands again. “Oh look, someone is shucking oysters trying to set a record. Let’s see if he can do it.”
He hadn't expected Ian to grab onto his hand and hold it firmly as they went along, holding someone else's hand out in public was something that surprised Brad, especially as this was their first date, he wasn’t used to such open public displays of affection. “Yeah, that's true. Don't want to miss out on things.” He said with a smile, giving the hand in his a gentle squeeze, it felt strange yet so right that he didn’t let go.
Then came the kisses which made his smile turn into a bit of a grin, it was cute but again, something he wasn’t expecting. “Bet he can.” Brad replied as they walked together towards the oyster shucker. They watched for a moment before Brad leaned in. “I'd stab myself, without a doubt!” He whispered.
Ian was comfortable with who he was, he had no shame nor would he ever when it came to his life choices. His family had been against it at first, his siblings still had some mixed feelings, but Ian didn’t care.
He wandered up to the crowd, pushed through enough to be able to watch clearly. He didn’t let go of Brad’s hand. “Oh me too. But it’s still pretty cool.”
Brad was out and proud of it, despite his parents’ displeasure when he told them they had come to accept that it was who Brad was, he just wasn't overly used to this kind of affection.
A cheer erupted from the small crowd watching as the guy finished his assigned amount of oysters, out of the corner of hip eye Brad saw something and with a gentle tug on Ian's hand started walking towards the novelty photo boards with head holes cut into the wood. “Let's get some photos.” He said with a wide grin.
Ian was one of the ones cheering for the guy, he’d more than earned the positive feedback. Shucking oysters was not in his own skill set, Ian found it admirable and awesome.
When Brad tugged his hand though, his attention was all for the other man. He followed, and his eyes caught sight of their intended destination. “Oh yeah! Good idea.” He’d be framing this one.
Brad didn't know the first thing about shucking oysters, they were always served ready to eat in Vegas and some cheap places would even reuse the shells and put jarred oysters onto them. Maybe he'd give it a go one day but at the moment he was happy letting someone else do the hard work while he enjoyed them.
There was a single one where the person would become a pearl in a cartoon-like oyster and the other had two head holes and were a pair of fishermen in bright yellow outfits. Pulling his phone out Brad reluctantly let go of Ian's hand before walking over and taking his place behind the board, flashing a big grin for Ian to photograph, they'd have to ask someone to take a photo of the two of them.
He let go and fished his phone out of his pocket snapping a photo of Brad when the guy was behind the photo board. He got a few good photos and switched places with Brad so he could have pictures also.
When they swapped Brad got some photos of Ian and then asked the younger lady who happened to be standing nearby if she wouldn't mind taking a few photos of the two of them. He moved behind the other board and waited for Ian before the lady took some photos, walking back he thanked her and took his phone back, the grin never leaving his face.
“Do you actually like oysters?” He asked, taking Ian's hand. “Would be a shame to be at Oysterfest and not actually eat any.” Brad wasn't overly hungry yet but wouldn't say no, otherwise they could go for a walk.
Slowly they wandered through the festival, Ian wanted Brad to see everything. “I do. Not raw, but cooked.” He didn’t order oysters but when they were available he ate them. “Let’s see if there are samples.”
Brad was definitely enjoying himself there wasn't a lot to see but enough to keep them entertained. When Ian mentioned samples Brad chuckled. “I can afford to buy you a dozen if you want some.” He gave their joined hands another squeeze as they wandered, he had gotten used to the feel of Ian’s hand in his. Nothing could ruin their day now.
Ian didn’t ask about the comment, he was sure that Brad made a ton of money being a stripper (cause why wouldn’t he? Look at him) and he chalked it up to that. “Thanks,” was all he said.
The day flew by; Ian had taken Brad to each place to see whatever they were offering. They sampled dozens of foods, Ian persuaded Brad to try a beer, and by the time they’d reached Brad’s house he felt as if both of them were satisfied with the direction of the day.
Speck greeted them at the door, tail wagging.
“That was so much fun,” Ian expressed, glad to finally be back home.
He did earn a bit as a stripper but Brad realized that although he had mentioned that he had played the stock market, he had never actually told Ian just how much money he had invested, maybe he’d get looked at differently if Ian found out he was a millionaire.
He had a great time going around Oysterfest, sampling things and even trying a beer despite his half-hearted protests. When they arrived back he let Speck out for a bathroom break. “I had a fantastic time Ian.” He paused for a second while they were still standing at the door. “Want to come in?” Brad asked, he didn’t really want the day to end, although in a few hours he’d have to go to work and he couldn’t take it off after missing most of the last week due to the fog and other things.
Money didn’t really matter to Ian, he earned enough to make him happy and that was the ultimate goal in life. Whatever Brad brought home for himself was his business, not Ian’s, and he’d never ask.
“Me too. We should do that again some time,” Ian said with a smile. A date, he meant, not Oysterfest. He was glad to be rid of that until next year, he hated smelling like oysters. “Sure. I can stay for a bit.” He didn’t mind the dog, Speck could fend for himself if he had to.
He had so many ideas for places to take Ian, things to show him and of course, Brad would spoil him as much as the other man would allow. The weekend before as they sat watching TV together Ian had mumbled something about planes, helicopters and flying lessons which only fueled Brad’s ideas.
“We really should, would next week be too early to organize something?” Brad asked with a bit of caution as he stepped inside and took Ian’s hand again, leading him through the sunroom and inside to the couch. He didn’t sit down, not yet, instead he stood facing the other man, taking both hands in his own and swinging them a bit. “Thank you, I really did enjoy today.” He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Ian’s lips.
“Let me check my work schedule. Now that the fog is gone it’s hard to find free time. There’s a lot of stuff to clear away, things that need searching for…” He’d make the time for the important things in his life, like Brad.
He moved into the house with Brad, toward the place they often sat and watched television together or talked but instead of sitting he stood there as his host did. Curious, he looked up at the blonde that had taken his hands, and managed to capture his heart. His smile blossomed but before he could say anything Brad was kissing him.
Ian let go of one of Brad’s hands and instead lifted his hand upward, setting his palm gently upon the back of Brad’s neck, returning that kiss.
He knew that Ian would be busy with work but they could find time, the fire department couldn’t have Ian 24/7, even a few hours together was better than nothing at all. “Just text me, not like I’ve got a standard nine to five job… or if you’re stuck at the station and want some company I could bring you over lunch or dinner… or even breakfast.”
Keeping the kiss gentle Brad cradled the back of Ian’s neck as they stood there, taking a step closer his other hand moved to rest on the other man’s waist, wanting to keep the closeness but not wanting to push anything, he could just kiss Ian for the rest of the day. He felt like the luckiest man in the world, having just had a great first date with such a beautiful man that he was really starting to feel something for, but still he didn’t want to rush ‘them’, he didn’t want a fling, not with Ian, yet something niggled in the back of his mind that he couldn’t quite figure out. He didn't break the kiss but softened the pressure of their pressed lips, either they'd pull back or press harder, whatever it was that Ian wanted.
The prospect of fitting Brad into his daily life was thrilling. It felt like being on a whole different plane and he liked Brad a lot. He was glad that they’d finally started moving in an actual direction with things, even if it was slow and steady. He just wanted to make sure both of them were ready, that this was something each of them wanted and it wasn’t overbearing for anyone. Slow was good.
Their mouths collided and Ian melted into that kiss. They had a beautiful thing together, something that didn’t need definition by words (not that he would ever truly have a description for it). Not wanting to rush, either, Ian finally severed the kiss. He pulled back only enough to look up at Brad and offer a smile. “I should probably let you get back to your day. Thanks for letting me take you out today. I’ll definitely text you if I get stuck on the job and need company.” That was a promise he’d keep.
He was seeing it more as two people spending time together, building a friendship rather than any romantic notions, though those feelings were there -- something more than friendship was simmering between them. Honestly, committing to someone so soon made him feel a bit uneasy, while they weren't really strangers they still didn't know a lot about each other's lives in between school and now, something Brad wanted to change.
When the kiss ended he looked at Ian, returning the smile as his fingers brushed the hair's on the back of Ian's head for a few moments before sliding his hand away. “Okay… I had a real good time.” He brushed their noses together before pulling back entirely, letting Ian go. “Don't go working too hard, I'm here if you need me for something.”
Dating was the opportunity to spend time together, to get to know each other in a personal or public setting. He hoped that as they moved onward there would be more dates in their future.
“Thanks. I’ll text you later, okay?” He would if he found a bit of free time.
With a nod and a smile, Ian turned and headed toward the door and then out into the cool air.