eirescharm (eirescharm) wrote in tiberiusswann, @ 2011-08-03 01:23:00 |
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Entry tags: | dec, declan, garret |
Tuesday 30th December 08
Who: Declan and Garret
Where: Boston
When: Evening
What: Boy's night out!
Rating: Eventually NSFW
Declan logged off the computer after talking with Garret, still chuckling over their conversation. It was going to be good to get out with a friend again, considering he hadn't done so for awhile. Maybe when classes started back up again he'd have a poker night at his place. That would be fun, and something the dryad hadn't done in quite awhile. Pick up a few rounds of Guinness or some other beer, dust off the chips and cards. Maybe he could convince Keely to make something so they wouldn't go too hungry. Definitely sounded like a good plan. But that was for the future. Right now, he had to worry about clocking out so he could go spruce up for his impromptu dinner and drinks.
Finishing up his paperwork, Declan left the office and headed back home to clean up and attempt to look handsome. And so it was that a couple hours later Declan was dressed in dark gray slacks, a light blue long sleeve tee and a faux leather jacket thrown over top. It may not have been a typical outfit, but it looked good on him, he hoped. He'd never been one to pay much attention to styles. Finger combing his hair, Declan walked through the halls, knocking on Garret's door promptly at seven.
Unlike Declan, Garret had not made much effort to rush himself. He had nowhere to be (he wasn't supposed to work) and he had nothing to do, and no one he wanted to see. So he'd been lying about on the couch when Dec had logged off, and he'd stayed there until six thirty. After a quick shower he was dressed, a simple sage green cotton and dark jeans (and sneakers, though classy ones). He was a bit unshaven, but it didn't matter. Declan was probably not particular, and truthfully it was a different look for Garret, who was usually as pristine in his grooming as hell. But lately, he just didn't feel right. He didn't feel like himself.
But Declan helped that. Declan made him feel more normal, like he used to feel. So when he heard the prompt knock, Garret grinned in excitement, slipped his phone and his wallet into his pocket and opened the door. And stared a moment. "Oh," he said, looking Declan over, then broke into a fresh grin. "Well well," he purred, delighted.
Declan grinned the moment Garret opened the door, the smile faltering slightly into a blush when he realized that the other man was much more casual than he. "Now I feel like I'm over dressed," he sighed. Oh well, there was little help for it now. Sure he could go upstairs and change into jeans and sneakers, but that would take time away from dinner.
He backed away from the door, giving Garret room to exit. "So I didna know if ye'd prefer just going ta Danvers or if ye'd want ta drive tha hour to Boston for a late supper." Though it was phrased as a statement, it was meant as a subtle question. He knew a pub or two in each location and didn't mind going to either one. Tonight was to make Garret feel better, more like his old self which Dec had sorely missed seeing.
With a little chuckle, Garret shook his head, closing the door behind him. "Oh, honey... you look fantastic." And he really did. Declan didn't usually look dressy like this, and it certainly suited him.
"Boston." The decision was bold and almost immediate. He had no reason to be close to home, and he had nowhere to be tomorrow, so they might as well hit the big town and live it up. Nudging Declan with his hip as he passed, Garret strolled down the hallway, smirking. "I'm in the mood to see the big city and all it has to offer. And you look damn good, and I'm gonna show you off."
Declan's soft blush grew to a slightly darker shade of pink at the compliment and he tugged on his jacket. "Aye well, I hear it'd due to excellent bone structure." He closed his eyes as Garret passed, just waiting for the innuendo that he accidentally left wide open.
Sighing, he patted his pockets to make sure he had everything for a night in Boston and nodded, satisfied. "Wait, show me off? An' here I thought tha point was ta show off yerself." Declan jogged lightly to catch up with Garret, stopping to stroll along side him. "After all, I'm the one taking out a gorgeous man."
For the moment, Garret would go easy on Dec. He was doing him a favor, after all, and Garret really needed this night out. So he wouldn't be so cruel as to amuse himself at the dryad's expense... yet.
"It's true, you are," the pathfinder agreed, not feeling the amount of boast he was giving but knowing it would come in time. "But that doesn't mean I'm not allowed to brag. Though, I suppose I can't really stake proper claim to you, since Keely has probably already branded your ass, but... well nobody in Boston knows that." With a wink, he held open the door to outside for Dec, giving that cute tree butt a once-over as he passed.
Declan shuddered at the thought of Keely carving her name into his bark. "No, thankfully tha's something she hasna done and I donna think she will." He murmured a thanks and flashed Garret a smile when the door was held for him. "Now see, ye're doing a fine job being the gentleman here, when I thought I was the one taking ye out." To prove his point, Declan slung a muscled arm over Garret's shoulders, guiding him to the car in the December chill.
Well, there would be no complaint about Declan making himself cozy beside Garret. Humming, pleased, he moved closer to Dec, falling in step with him. "It's been a long time since someone's taken me out," he admitted. "Hell, I don't know the last time I was with a gentleman." That wasn't to say that Mal and Rorie didn't treat him well, but Rorie was definitely not the dominant in the relationship, and Mal was far cry from "gentleman". Even Lloyd, when they'd been together, had never been the "guy". Garret was having a tough time remembering the last time someone wined and dined him. "Huh," he said, as they reached Declan's car. "This should prove to be interesting."
Declan hit the fob to his new black Toyota Prius Hybrid and unlocked the doors as they came near, even walking Garret around to the passenger side and opening the door for him. The pathfinder was being taken out and Declan was determined to give him time to relax, get out of his head and have fun. Closing the door, he jogged around the other side before asking his question, "Interesting how?" It may not have been the most masculine car, but it was the most fuel efficient and easier on the economy according to the research he'd done. That worked just fine for him.
Pulling out the parking lot, he eased through the gate. At this point, he didn't mind taking his time driving to Boston as it meant more time for Garret to relax. Of course, if stomachs started to rumble, he'd get there soon enough.
Distracted by his dating past, Garret hadn't really noticed that they had arrived at Declan's car and not his own. His mouth opened a little to protest, but then he simply shut it and got in. He could let Declan drive tonight. He was supposed to be getting treated tonight, and that meant letting someone else take the lead. He could do that.
Reclining into his seat, Garret looked around, getting a feel for the car. It was nice- a little sissy for Garret's tastes, but it was efficient and probably had a surprising amount of zip. Sighing, content, Garret looked over at Declan. "Just... interesting. I'm a take charge kind of guy... so it'll be interesting to let you take the reins tonight."
Declan chuckled, turning on the heat and pulling out onto the freeway. "Aye, but will probably suit us both tonight. Ye need ta relax and I need ta stop thinking about red and white sparkly trees on me dining table." He finished with a quick roll of his eyes. It wasn't even that the decorations bothered him all that much, but they were just so feminine. Declan was making so many adjustments to being with Keely that sometimes he wondered if he was still himself underneath it all.
With a sympathetic frown, Garret patted Declan's leg. "Aww, baby... she only makes your life sparkle and crushes your manhood because she cares." As much as he was teasing, it was true. Keely was like a kitten- she thought that the things that made her happy surely made everyone happy, so therefore she brought you dead mice and grinned about it and expected praise. But Garret could appreciate how Declan felt. Even though he was happy with his boys, and even though he wanted his life with them, sometimes he felt like he was losing himself for them.
Declan sighed and nodded, keeping his eyes on traffic. "Aye, I know she does. I guess I was just more used to her sort of caring when she would punch me and run rather than decorate and snog me in the kitchen over dinner." Okay, so maybe that was more than he needed to tell Garret. Declan glanced over to see the other's reaction.
If Declan thought the admission of kitchen make outs was going to be too much for Garret to handle, then he did not realize what a little gossip Garret was. He had heard it all, seen most of it, and liked talking about it. "Well... things are bound to change when you take that next step," he said encouragingly, rubbing Dec's leg. "Maybe she'd a bit more... intense now, but look at it this way. You have a best friend, and she's beautiful, and she lets you kiss her. And when you finally stop laughing about it, you'll realize that it's incredible and deep and it'll take your breath away. And you'll realize you're very lucky to have someone who glitters up your house."
Declan passed a car, not at all worried about Garrett's palm rubbing his thigh through the slacks. They'd done worse -or better depending on the point of view- before so this was nothing. It was sweet. "Aye, I suppose. It's just hard ta wrap me head around, y'know? I grew up with her. I care about her very much."
The hand on the leg wasn't even meant as a sexually suggestive gesture, which spoke volumes of his state of mind. "I've never had someone I've grown up with, but... well I guess it makes sense. There are some people you just see a certain way, and it takes a lot to change that point of view. And sometimes you wonder if it's for the best or not." Lloyd was like that now, only in the opposite direction. He was supposed to go from lover to just a friend, an impossible transition. But Declan was supposed to bring Keely, someone almost like a sister to him, to lover status. Maybe just as impossible.
"Let's not talk about her," he decided after a moment, giving Dec's leg one last squeeze before removing his hand. "Or anyone else for that matter. We're supposed to be having fun tonight, and relationships are the last thing on my list of "fun" right now." Scoffing a little, he turned his gaze out the window. Fuckin' Malakai. And Rorie's stupid brother coming home. And Max.
Declan nodded, agreeing with everything Garret was saying. He was definitely wondering if it was for the best, but for now he was willing to go with it. The dryad just didn't want to do anything that would ruin the relationship he had built with Keely. She meant far too much for him to do that.
Feeling the coolness from Garret removing his hand, Declan blindly reached out, catching the moving part and linking their fingers together. He gave a comforting squeeze and a soft shake, wanting to tug Garret into a hug to erase that look of tension he wore. He urged the car faster, wanting to get to the pub and cheer up his friend.
The gesture was not expected, and Garret turned to look at Declan, smiling. "Oh, sapling," he purred, leaning over and resting his head on Declan's shoulder. "You always know just what to say. Or not say." He squeezed the dryad's hand, stroking the skin with his thumb, resting against him while they drove. "There's something about you that's just... it's so easy to be around you. You make me feel like my old self. I think you might be my favorite person in the world right now."
"I havena found a reason for ye ta not be yerself," Declan replied honestly. "Yer a good man at the heart and that's what counts. Good men usually carry burdens they don't need to because they care so much. I think tha's what's happened ta ye." He wasn't trying to be critical, just show his support in his roundabout way. Tilting his head, he rested his cheek against Garret's hair.
This was wonderful. Garret could feel that old sparkle coming back. Declan could always make him feel better. He didn't have any kind of obligation, or commitment, he didn't have demands or needs or anything to weigh this night down. All Declan saw of Garret was what Garret wanted him to see, someone who was fun and interesting, someone sweet and sexy and young. He hadn't seen Garret with his polish removed, he hadn't seen the sad old man at the core. All Declan knew was the good stuff. And that was perfect. They were just hanging out, the two of them, and they were going to have a great time. "Are you suuuure you don't wanna run away to Reno with me?" he asked, grinning. "I promise not to put glitter on anything."
Playing along, Declan sighed. "Well, I suppose if ye can deal with the temper of an Irish lass thirsting for blood, I can do tha same." Squeezing Garret's fingers again, Declan signaled for his exit, having made better time than he'd thought. "So now tha question. Do ye want a dark and quiet pub, just us two or something more loud and entertaining?" He knew of a place fitting each. It was just a matter of which turnoff.
This was comfortable. Garret was pretty certain he could stay all night just like this, leaning on Declan's arm, holding hands, driving. But he wouldn't. Because the night was young and they had shit to do. Glancing up at his dryad, he made a face. "Do I seem like the quiet pub type?" he asked cheekily. "Bring me noise, baby. Noise and girls and liquor and lights, that's the night I need." Sitting up, he pressed a quick kiss to Declan's cheek, leaning against his window but not letting go of the other man's hand. It was soothing to be with someone that you weren't chained to for life. Granted, Garret had chosen to attach himself to Rorie and Mal, but that didn't mean it didn't feel suffocating now and again.
Garret was practically bouncing in his seat by the time Declan pulled into the parking lot. This would be great. Better than great. This would really bring up an otherwise entirely crappy week. Garret did not want to be angry with Mal when the three of them went to Baltimore, but it was hard not to be considering that the guy was a total dickface douchebag asshole emotionless prick. But he didn't matter! All that mattered was Declan, and tonight, and that Garret hadn't taken any of his meds this afternoon so he felt vibrant and alert and a little worried that his heart would explode like in the cartoon but if it did it'd be okay because tonight would be amazing!!
With one last squeeze to Declan's hand (and a kiss to his knuckles, just for luck), Garret climbed out of the car, too eager to let the gentleman do it for him. He was ready to get this night started.
Declan could practically feel the constant waves of emotions rolling through Garret. The tension was in his shoulders, neck, in his very fingertips with the way he squeezed the dryad's hand. Almost as if he wanted to try hard to make this work. "Relax," Declan smiled. "Nearly there." Hearing that Garret wanted a crowd, light, music, whiskey and probably young ladies Declan made a quick change in plans. Kitty O'Shea's was out. Her place was great for a quieter night, but this one demanded excitement, to keep Garret happy.
Three stoplights later and Declan had pulled into the parking garage just outside the pub. McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon. "Here we are," he grinned. A silent finger wagged at Garret, demanding he wait for Declan. Skirting the hood, the Irishman opened the door, already sounds of the thumping music could be heard from across the street. A couple of young blondes walked in as Declan led the way down the stairs and to the entrance. "Will this work?"
There would be no relaxing tonight. Relaxation was for the dead. Tonight was about fun, and letting go, cutting loose. Maybe Declan would even shake things up and get rowdy. Garret liked the Irishman's sweetness, every drop of it, but even sweet guys needed to get rowdy from time to time. And if ever there was a night for rowdy...
"This is most excellent," Garret beamed, letting Declan lead the way (even though he wanted to just run in himself). He could be catered to tonight. Why not? It had been a long ass time since someone let him be pampered. And no, lying in a hospital while people had to do things for him was not being counted. That had just sucked.
Slipping an arm around Declan's waist (and getting a good grab of butt in the process), Garret hugged his friend, staying them a moment. "Thank you," he said softly, meeting those delicious Irish eyes. "For everything." He was thanking Declan for the outing, for the talking, for things that he was not aware of and Declan probably would never fully understand. But it needed to be said.
Declan was sweet, and he doubted he could accurately do rowdy. He remembered quite well the time Rorie and Garret had tried to teach him how to pick up someone. It hadn't gone so well. Rorie had fainted and then Garret had laughed hysterically. Not encouraging. So while Garret got his groove on, Declan knew he would be quite happy just sitting on the stool with his pint.
Giving a satisfactory nod, Declan held the entrance door for Garret, leading them directly to the bar. This way they could get the drinks they wanted, still eat and the pathfinder was free to pick up whoever he chose. Feeling himself being tugged back, Declan paused, smiling at his friend. "Aye, dunnae thank me yet. Get a drink, a meal and then tell me." All the dryad knew was his friend was unhappy. He was hoping a few hours away from his troubles would help to bring that spark back to the man's gorgeous eyes.
If this night with this guy didn't bring back that spark, then Garret was a lost cause. He sincerely hoped that was not the case, but maybe it was. Maybe he was just too old and too lame to be fun anymore. But from the way Garret's face lit up as they came in, that wasn't likely.
Spinning on the barstool, Garret looked around, his eyes catching a few very good looking people milling about. It was sort of a younger crowd, which was pleasing to the eye, and a very tiny part of Garret wondered if he was too old to be here. But then a buxom blonde with bouncy boobs (and lovely alliteration) gave him a saucy wink as she passed, and any self doubt was completely obliterated. "Can I at least buy drinks?" Garret asked Declan over his shoulder, his eyes still scanning the room. "That seems fair to me."
"Nope," Declan shook his head though Garret couldn't see it. "I invited you out, I pay." That was Declan's personal philosophy and he stuck by it. The only way to get around it was if Garret grabbed the check at the end of the evening and Declan didn't fight it. Not likely to happen, but it could.
Getting the bartender's attention, he ordered a pint and a shot for each of them, letting Garret's eyes roam around the bar. There were a few around their age, a smattering of older folks, but it was most often people in their twenties to thirties, coming for a night out and a good time. Declan truly hoped Garret enjoyed himself here. Grabbing two menus, he slid one in front of Garret's stool and started browsing the choices.
It was unlikely that Garret could not have a good time tonight. Good company, good location, and judging from the looks of the menu, good food. And after taking a sip of the ale, good brew. That was every ingredient needed for a great night.
Turning back to face Declan, satisfied with his scoping, he looked quickly over the menu and made a hasty decision. Mozzarella sticks and a Black Angus Saloon Burger. Cheese, beef, bacon, mushrooms and onions. Everything the doctor told him he wasn't supposed to have, he was having. And he was gonna enjoy it. "Okay, I'm ready," he declared, leaning close to Declan and looking him over. "I know what I want. Well," he added, after a pause, "what I can have, anyway."
Declan tossed back his shot before pulling forward his tankard. The Guinness he'd have with dinner, but what was in his mug would do just fine for starters. He couldn't help but smile in appreciation when Garret murmured his pleasure with the choices.
Turning his attention back to the menu, he tried to figure out his choice. Blarney bread for a started followed by Whisky Chicken. Turning in his stool, he faced Garret. "And just what could possibly be in this pub that ye canna have?"
Declan was so incredibly adorable, it made Garret giggle a little. He could have thrown himself in the dryad's lap and Declan would still not understand. "I'll give you a hint," he said softly, tapping Dec on the end of his nose. "It's the only thing actually Irish in this place." Of course, this being Boston, surely there were plenty of Irish folk milling about. But only one was right off the boat.
The tap on the nose was more of a hint than Garret's statement, but Declan played along as his usual clueless self, knowing Garret would enjoy watching him try to figure it out. "Hmm," he muttered, tapping his lips with a finger as he glanced around the bar. "Certainly not the blondes behind you, nor the barkeep. He's much more German. Irish, Irish." Declan mused, scanning his green eyes everywhere until finally he shrugged and looked back. "Clue number two?"
If Declan was going to play coy, then Garret was going to call his game. Not that it would be very hard to do so, but Declan had such innocence to him, it was delightful when he got flustered. Although this fake display of confusion was too irresistible. Grinning from ear to ear, Garret rested his elbows on the bar, chin in his hands, waiting eagerly to see if Declan would "figure it out". Apparently, he needed some assistance. Garret loved to help those in need. Leaning in close, he lowered his voice, speaking low in Declan's ear. "Well," he smirked, full of deviousness, "when I have his cock in my mouth, he screams my name when he comes. Does that help?"
Goal achieved. Declan was most definitely flustered, being reminded of that time with Garret. Still, he wasn't willing to yield quite that quickly. Glad he was sitting in the shadows to hide the soft blush staining his cheeks, he shifted slightly in an attempt to conceal the stirrings of arousal already starting. Declan stammered softly. "I, uh...didna realize Rorie was here." The brothers were the only other Irishmen Declan could think off the top of his head. Of course, as soon as the words left his mouth, he hoped it wouldn't shatter this mood.
Luckily, that little stammer was too endearing for Garret to have his mood ruined. He could tell that Declan was blushing, and it made him that much happier. He loved it when Declan blushed. He loved being the cause of the blushing. He loved that little stammer, the faintest hint that he'd gotten under the dryad's skin.
"Oh, well I guess he must be," the pathfinder said airily, sitting back a bit. "Because who else could I be talking about? I mean... surely there isn't someone else here who's had my lips wrapped around him... teasing him... drawing him out to climax..."
Declan bit his tongue to hold back the groan in his throat. He was glad to have his old friend back, but really? What was so fascinating about a humble, clumsy Irishman that urged this highly-skilled male to tease him? It was a mystery and one Declan was sure he'd never solve. "Aye," he choke out, clearing his throat again. "I'm sure whoever it was would have a man like ye coming back for more given a chance."
The fascination of Declan was that he made Garret feel sexy. He loved that just his voice, just the words he spoke, were enough to get this man flustered and tense. It was a power trip, a little surge of pride. "I'm sure he would," he said smoothly, tossing back his shot. If given the chance, if he was available, Declan would be in the bathroom by now, pants sitting loose on his hips and Garret's hand- or his mouth- would be wrapped around him. But sadly, he was taken. It almost made Garret regret encouraging him and Keely to be together.
"I suppose I'll have to find someone else to scream my name," he sighed, resting his chin on his hand. Oh, what a tough life he had.
If given the chance, Declan would also prefer Garret to not be in a committed relationship as well, but the man had a family in the making. Had bought a house off campus to care for one of his lovers. That was a charming, sweet man that Declan knew. Of course, it was only one side and it seemed Garret was currently embracing the teasing, sexual nature he had pulsing through him.
Taking a hearty drink from his mug, Declan sighed. "Ye're such a tease, Garret," he grumbled, not half as upset as he sounded. A hand dropped to his lap for a subtle adjustment before he was waving to the server to place their orders.
Putting a hand on his chest, Garret stared at Declan as though he were deeply insulted. "Moi?" he asked, scoffing. "Darling, I would never tease. I am a lot of things, but certainly not a tease. OH well, hello," he purred to the cute little waitress sauntering her way over. It was obvious she had been working here awhile, because she didn't have a notepad to write things down, and she barely batted an eyelash at Garret's obvious flirting.
"Hey boys, what can I gitcha?"
"Fried cheese sticks and the house special burger, medium well, put extra bacon on that. I'm trying to kill my ticker." He gave her a wink, which was replied to with a cheeky little smirk from the girl.
"That'll do it, hon. How 'bout you, cutie pie? You know what you want?"
"A tease is exactly what you are," Declan retorted, smiling. "Dirty, filthy, wonderful, horrible tease." Because he knew he could, he made his accent just a bit thicker, a touch more Irish. Spinning on his stool, Declan leaned his back against the bar, facing the woman standing at Garret's elbow. "Aye, bonnie lass. An order of Blarney bread and whiskey chicken with a pint of Guinness if ye would, please?" Just because he was in a pub didn't mean he had to forget this manners.
It was obvious Declan's charms (and accent) were working wonders on this girl. She seemed dubious at first, probably thinking he was some jackass trying to be cute, but by the time Declan's smooth words finished spilling from his lovely lips, their waitress was smiling shyly and almost flouncing as she went to fill their order. Garret chuckled, sipping his beer. "You're hot," he said simply, informing Declan in case he didn't already know. "She's probably in the back melting in her panties over you. Were I a lesser man, I'd be jealous of your charms and wiley ways."
Seeing the way the woman practically bounced away, Declan couldn't help but blink and look helplessly at Garret. "But, what did I do?" Obviously he did something right, but it reminded him of that afternoon at the pool tables. The next time the waitress came by she'd likely faint and there would be a commotion to deal with.
Laughing fondly, Garret patted Dec on the shoulder. "Don't look so distressed," he grinned. "You're just hot. You don't have to do anything, you just are. It's a curse men like us have to deal with every day, but... someone has to carry that burden. Lesser men might crumble from the pressure of it." Nodding solemnly, he paused for a moment of respectful silence, then carried on. "On the plus side, being hot gets you far in life. So there's that to be happy about."
Garret considering him on par for the hot curse? Now that was news to Declan. Turning back to the bar, he couldn't wipe away the confused expression just yet, even more so when Garret claimed it had benefits. "Like what?" Declan had never done anything based on his looks. It was all on his brains and skill set, something he was proud of. But Garret seemed so happy that finally Declan just sighed and shook his head, going back to his beer.
Oh, Declan... He could be such a lost cause sometimes. "Free drinks," Garret told him, feeling this education was important. "For starters. And other, more nefarious things that you will probably never utilize." Slinging an arm around Declan's shoulders, he tugged his friend into a sideways hug. "Don't think on it too much. Just have a good time tonight and try not to worry about how your sex appeal will affect others. Kay babe?"
"Aye," Declan smiled, leaning into Garret for a moment before pulling away to switch. "Yer the one being treated tonight. Means I get to hug you," he declared, raising his drink to his smirking lips. If Garret wanted to get them free drinks, Declan wouldn't complain, but it seemed the bartender was straight. Of course, Declan also had no way of knowing either way.
Sexuality was all relative. On a good day, in his prime, Garret could have gotten the bartender (who was indeed straight) into the back room for a little personal service. But he didn't need to tonight. Tonight, he had Declan, and that was perfectly fine. Better than fine. It was delicious. "You smell great," he pointed out, looking Dec up and down. "Are you wearing the shamrocks tonight?" The blood thinners were making him a little drunker than he should have been after only a shot and half a pint. He shuddered to think how far he'd be if he had taken the dose he was supposed to before he left.
Declan, being the typical Irish affectionate sort, laughed and kissed Garret's temple. "Given that ye dunna want ta take a chance I see no reason why I should tell ye." He couldn't understand why Garret liked the shamrocks so much. They were just a ridiculous pair of boxers, and most certainly not what he was wearing this evening.
Garret loved the shamrocks because they were unexpected. Almost everything about Declan was unexpected. He loved the constant surprise, the cuteness of every odd detail he discovered. Leaning away just a little, he set a deep, smoky, suggestive gaze on Declan. "I'm not one to shy away from taking chances," he purred, biting his lip and growling softly. "Maybe I'll find out on my own." Was he trying to rile his friend up? Absolutely. That was half the fun of having friends.
"On your own?" Now there was a curious statement, having Declan turn to lean against the bar. He was glad that the starting boner he'd had before had finally gone away. One less embarrassment for him to worry about so he could focus on Garret having fun. "And just how do ye intend ta do that without me help?" If Garret was looking to go under Declan's slacks, he'd need the dryad's permission. Wouldn't he?
There was no response better to give Declan then a small, slow, wolfish grin that spread over Garret's face. He could eat that boy up and enjoy every second of it. And right now, the thought of Declan trying to figure out how Garret was going to see his skivvies was too good to pass up.
That's exactly what Declan was trying to do. He dropped his arm and watched Garret, attempting to ready beyond that smile to the mind behind. The concentration lasted all of fifteen seconds before Declan shrugged. There was little sense in trying to puzzle it out. Either Garret would show him later or he wouldn't.
A glance around showed their waitress coming by. She looked to have some bit of Ireland in her blood, given her raven hair and sparkling blue eyes. There was definitely home there. She settled their appetizers in front of each of them and waited, giving a smile to Garret first. "What else can I get for ya?"
It was empowering to know that Declan would never be able to figure him out. Garret loved it. He loved being a mystery, being intriguing and interesting to someone. He missed this from Rorie and Mal. His sparkle had faded with them, but it was still strong with Declan.
Turning to the waitress, Garret looked her over; seeming as though he was going to speak, but then just shook his head a little. "Mmm... nope, no. That's probably not available." His blue eyes met hers, seeming both a little cocky and shy, a look Garret had spent ages perfecting. A look that had made a lot of people swoon throughout his lifetime. "How about another shot?"
Declan didn't bother to try to figure out Garret, knowing that it was an impossible task. The man had more twists and turns to him than a labyrinth and a smoother tongue than a kiss from the Blarney stone could grant. So it was enough for him to just enjoy the ride.
The waitress gave Garret her own once over before smiling. "Another shot at what?" Apparently she wasn't without her own brand of teasing. "If you miss the first time I don't think I should be giving you a second, hm?" Turning, she looked at Declan, still keeping a practiced eye on Garret and her other tables in case she was needed. It was a busy night, but not so much she couldn't spare a minute or two. "How about you, Irish? Anything I can get ya?" Declan couldn't help but chuckle into his beer, imagining the look on Garret's face.
Oh, this girl was good. She was definitely getting a good tip tonight. Grinning, Garret watched her with Declan, his blue eyes dancing. He liked her. She had a sharp tongue and she wasn't afraid to use it. His mind wandered a little as to the various things a tongue like that could do, and it was just making the night better and better. How rude would it be for him to disappear with her for a short while, since technically he was on a date with Declan. Not that he assumed it was a real date, but still, the guy had been sweet enough to bring him out tonight. He deserved attention for the evening.
"Whiskey," Garret made sure to tell her before she walked off. "Make it a double. I'm not tipsy enough to fool myself into thinking I'm in your league yet."
Declan nodded his head at Garret's request, silently asking for the same when their server turned their attention back to the flirt. "Now what on earth makes you think a double would get you into my league?" She glanced pointedly from Garret to Declan and back, smirking as she walked off. "Though the offer's tempting. Double it is, boys."
She waltzed off to deal with another table, hips twitching as she maneuvered through the crowd and Declan deliberately kept his eyes downcast, just in case some fiery redhead back home found out about the indiscretion. "How do ye do it," he murmured inquisitively, turning gleaming green eyes to his date for the night. "Coming from me, I'd've been slapped." Maybe not, but Declan was pretty certain it would be the case.
Laughing brightly, Garret made no such effort to keep his eyes to himself as the pretty little thing flounced away. Oh, she was just lovely. He missed women. Men were fantastic, they had their own appeal, but there was something about women that just... mmm.
Spinning himself to face Dec, Garret pouted sympathetically. "Oh, sapling," he cooed, touching Declan's arm. "It's confidence. Women love a confident man. But you have your own charm, there's no way she'd slap you. You're too precious. Just looking in those eyes and she'd melt into a little waitress puddle."
"Oh really?" Now this was something that had to be tested. Turning once again, he faced his friend, propping his arm up on the bar and his chin on his fist, watching him with piercing green eyes. Deliberately, he lowered his voice, a touch husky from the ale. "A little puddle, hmm? Interesting description." So maybe he still wasn't the best flirt in Boston as that title belonged to Garret, but he could at least try. "What else would she do?"
Oho, that voice... Declan was trying to put on his bedroom voice, and that was just too much to handle. Garret smiled at him dreamily, resting his own chin on his hand. "She'd giggle," he said matter of factly. "Or maybe smirk, depending on the girl. And she'd flutter her eyelashes a little... maybe she'd blush.... Oh, and she'd find an excuse to touch you. She'd touch your arm as she laughed, or she's nudge you with a shoulder... brush a hair from your forehead..." Reaching out, Garret brushed a few fingers over Declan's forehead, the dryad's hair soft and smooth to the touch. "Just something to be in contact."
Part of Declan, the part that wanted to be super silly and couldn't believe himself a sexual being, wanted to tilt his chin and lick Garret's palm. Short, quick like a ninja and to reiterate the space. But the other part of him didn't mind the touch, the soft caress as hair that most definitely wasn't falling into his face was pushed aside. "Aye and what would be running through her mind?"
Garret wouldn't have minded the palm lick. It would have been very characteristic of Declan, and Garret loved the guy so damn much. He was sweet and funny and unexpected, and he was always a good time. "Hrm," he said, pretending to be thinking long and hard, "well... she'll be thinking about your smile. How it's sweet, and shy, and kind, and how the right corner curls up first. And then that will make her think about your lips, the fullness and ripeness, like sweet strawberries. And she'll think about how they taste, and then she'll probably lick her own lips, and then..." Smirking, he poked Declan playfully in the chest. "That's when you make your move."
Declan had a couple different things lined up to say, but at that poke his sexy demeanor broke and he laughed, face brightening up with his smile. "Me? An' here I thought tha one tha was supposed ta be making moves is ye!" Shaking his head, still chuckling he picked up a piece of cheese and garlic covered bread from his plate, licking his fingers of the oil and sticky cheese. "Mmm," he hummed appreciatively.
With his own giggle, Garret sat upright, turning his chair forward. "You wanted to know what your theoretical waitress puddle would be thinking! I didn't know I'd entered the equation at all. Although," he added, "I wouldn't mind being a part of that equation. That girl is seriously cute."
Sighing, Declan bit into his starter, pulling at some cheese as it refused to let go. He caught a glimpse of raven hair leaned over to speak to the bartender with a wink in their direction and moments later their order shots were in front of them. "Ye know, I think ye should be tha one asking her name. Unless that doesna interest ye."
Eyes doing a quick glance at the waitress as she spoke to the bartender, Garret smiled to himself. Interest wasn't the issue, because it would be foolish of him to not be interested in her. She was gorgeous, and foxy, and sassy. The trifecta of what Garret liked in a woman. But while he could certainly appreciate her, and enjoy verbally sparring, he wasn't here to be scouting people out. He was here with Declan.
"Maybe," he said casually, shrugging and tossing down his shot. With a little shudder as she swallowed, he set the glass down carefully on the bar. "We'll see how the night goes."
Declan wasn't referring to whether or not Garret was interested in her. That much was obvious even to the dryad. The question was would Garret want her name before taking her back into one of the private bathrooms. That was something Declan wasn't so sure he wanted answered, so he left it be. Reaching out for his shot, he raised it in toast to the waitress he'd nicknamed Raven for the night before slamming the shot. "Mm," he grunted, lowering the glass upside down on the bar. "Love tha way that burns."
"Mmm hmm," Garret purred in agreement, glancing sideways to give Declan a once-over. "Whiskey has always been one of my favorites. It goes down hard and starts fighting with your head the minute it gets down. Gotta love a brew that tries to take you down from the inside." Waving the bartender over, Garret was getting ready to ask for another when his glass was suddenly being filled without a word from his mouth. "I didn't even-"
"Sabrina said I should keep you two filled up," he said with a polite smile.
Garret laughed, looking around for their waitress, who seemed to be hiding for the moment. "Smart girl," he said simply, tossing back his next shot.
Declan managed to finish his beer before the man moved over to fill his, smiling a thanks to the bartender and quite surprised when he got a smile and a wink back in return. Jerking back in surprise, he muttered, "Blimey."
Garret stared a moment, dumbfounded. Maybe it was just a friendly gesture, maybe it was an Irish pub thing. But Garret was certain that the bartender was straight, and he was also fairly certain that that wink had been flirty. "Well damn, sapling," he said finally, grabbing a mozzarella stick and biting off the tip. "Looks like your charms are hot tonight. I have to admit I might be a bit jealous."
"But," Declan protested, watching as the barkeep wandered off to take other orders further down. "I didna do anything!" The dryad just slouched in his chair, completely confused and unsure how to handle this evening. Garret was supposed to be flirting and ravishing some willing lad or lass back in the loo while Declan chuckled into his brew. Not...this. His bottom lip stuck out a bit in a confused pout.
With a chuckle, Garret slung his arm around Declan's shoulder. "Poor baby," he cooed. "Look at you, your little brow all furrowed in confusion. You look so put off because people find you attractive." Resting his chin on Declan's shoulder, Garret sighed heavily. "It's okay baby. There's no need to fret over it."
"I didna do anything," he repeated softly, still puzzled. "You, you I understand. Sexy enough that people flock ta ye in droves and ye'd have ta beat them off with a stick." Declan chuckled, amused at the idea. "I've counted no less that five pairs of eyes lingering on ye since the waitress, Sabrina, last left." He turned his head to face Garret, not at all minding their noses brushing. "Why would they look at me?"
Two things bothered Garret most about what Declan said. One, that he hadn't noticed all the eyes apparently noticing him. And two, how could Declan not realize why people were looking at him? Did he really not understand how handsome he was? Leaning back just enough to meet Declan's eyes, Garret frowned softly. "Because," he said, softly and sincerely, "you're incredibly beautiful."
Declan pushed his thoughts aside the moment Garret frowned, smiling because he knew it was expected. "Aye, and so ye tell me time and again," he murmured reaching out to stroke the corner of Garret's mouth. He was quite disappointed in himself for making that beautiful mouth frown. Smiling a bit more sincerely, he added, "And I'll make ye tell me time an' again if ye keep falling for it." A joke? Perhaps, but he'd never admit it.
If he'd been trying to erase that frown, Declan had succeeded. It was the tenderness of him, not just the slight touch but his very essence was just wholly endearing. "I guess I'm gullible like that," he smirked, kissing Dec on the nose. "I'll always tell you how sexy you are. You don't even have to fish for it, I'll just say it regularly. I'll set an alarm on my phone if you like, every fifteen minutes I'll tell you."
With a grin, he pinched both the dryad's cheeks, eyes dancing in delight. "So cute!" he declared, before releasing his friend and going back to his food. "You are. And it's so effortless, it's hardly fair. You just sit there and people fawn all over you, batting their eyes and winking and smiling and swooning. Meanwhile, every minute I have to spend putting in effort, trying to be pleasing, putting myself out there." Picking up his shot glass (which magically had been filled again), Garret drank it down, grimacing a bit at the end. "It can be very exhausting."
Declan laughed, finishing up his first piece of bread and licking his lips of the excess cheese that clung. "E'ry fifteen minutes? I just might get tired of that. After the first day o' course," he added, eyes twinkling. Rolling his eyes towards Garret, Declan shrugged helplessly. "Ye've said it yerself. Americans are suckers for a pretty accent and Eire is one of the more lovely, ta be sure."
Picking up his new shot, he tossed it back to keep pace with his friend. It'd be a sad day when an American could out drink an Irishman. "Aye, well, I had ta go out of me way ta look nice tonight. An' here ye are with that just-out-o-bed look in yer eyes, hair slightly rumpled and clothes easy enough ta shed...." He shook his head, tsking. "It's a surprise no one's dragged ye away jus' yet."
With a little laugh, Garret stared down into his empty glass, swirling the little droplets left at the bottom. "You look nice regardless of what you do with yourself," he said softly. It was true. Declan's inner beauty had nothing to do with his clothing, what he did with his hair, none of that. It was all in his eyes, and in the smile. The accent certainly didn't hurt any.
With a shrug, Garret smiled a little. "Maybe no one has dragged me off because they know I'm here with you."
Reaching over, Declan stole a deep fried cheese stick, taking a bite out of it. "And what gives the impression we're here together? Does that mean I..." Declan broke off the last thought. It would only get them into trouble and he knew that. As tempting as it was, he wouldn't ask. "I'm sure if I left ye be for two minutes, ye'd have any number of lads and lasses here vying for yer attention."
Well, unfinished sentences would not be tolerated! It was probably true that, if left to his own devices, Garret would have a fair amount of people flocking to him. He always had, his entire life. But he didn't want a flock of people right now. He wanted the rest of that unfinished sentence, and also a piece of Declan's appetizer as penance for some of his own being stolen. "No, no, don't be changing the subject on me," he scolded, grabbing a piece of bread and crunching a bite. "Finish that thought you were started on. I'm curious."
Instead of answering, Declan swooped over Garret's plate with his half eaten cheese stick to scoop up some of the marinara sauce from the little cup. He tossed the bite into his mouth and chewed slowly, waiting for Garret to become entranced with something else other than Declan.
Chuckling, shaking his head, Garret nudged him with his knee. "If you think filling your mouth is going to make me somehow less persistent, you're very wrong. I'm good at making men talk, even with their mouths full." He gave her a small wink, stretching his leg out to rub Declan's. "C'mon, sapling... tell me. Pleeeeease?"
Turning his head, Declan smirked, tapping the tip of Garret's nose. "Nope. That's going ta be something I'll keep in me fantasies. Easy enough since I already know tha answer." Reaching towards Garret's hand, he snatched back his blarney bread and took a bite, smiling the whole time.
Fantasies! Well, now he had to divulge! "You don't have fantasies," Garret scoffed, smiling. "And if you do, and they're about me, you have to tell me about them. Who knows, I might surprise you... I'm full of surprises."
"Aye," the dryad agreed. "I'm well aware of that. But I also know there's someone that would happily murder us both if I were ta turn fantasy into reality." The idea of taking Garret back into one of the stalls in back was oddly appealing, but he couldn't see himself taking the initiative.
Ah, Keely. The little redheaded hurricane. "True," Garret had to agree, almost shuddering at the thought of what Keely would do to them both. She didn't scare him much, since she was so little, but she was certainly a whole heap of unstable energy in a tiny little package, and that caused the most destruction. Still...
Leaning over, he nudged Declan with his shoulder, the mischievous glint in his eyes. "But you could tell me, couldn't you? Talking about it isn't the same as doing it..." If it was, Garret would be a much more exhausted man than he already was. "C'mon, Declan... you know you wanna..." His chin rested on the dryad's shoulder, his voice low and eager. "Who knows, you might even make me blush. Isn't that worth seeing?"
Declan arched a dubious brow as he turned to glance at his friend. "I doubt anything that runs through me mind would make ye blush. Chances are ye've done it at least once before." They both knew Declan wasn't the most creative when it came to the bedroom and he sure as the sun would rise wasn't the most experienced.
Giving in, he leaned forward, pressing soft lips to Garret's ear. "I was wondering if it meant I'd be tha one ta take ye to tha back," he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to Garret's lobe. "And just what we could accomplish in that private space before we're noticed." Okay so it wasn't too descriptive, but it was what he was thinking. Slowly, Declan pulled back, waiting for Garret's response.
What Declan said, what he whispered softly in Garret's ear, even just the fact that his arm breath was tickling Garret's skin... it made the pathfinder shiver slightly, a soft hum catching in his throat. Declan wasn't often a sexual creature, but when he was.... mm, baby.
Exhaling slowly, Garret closed his eyes a moment, a faint smile traced on his lips as he allowed himself a moment to visualize what Dec had said. It painted a lovely picture. "Ah," he said simply, opening his eyes, looking into those bottle green beauties that were looking right back. "Well... hm. That's definitely something to think about." He felt a little flustered, which was surprising. He couldn't remember the last time someone had made him flustered.
Garret may have been flustered but he hid it well. Declan could barely tell what was going on behind those baby blues. He kept watching only breaking contact when he heard a sharp "ahem" coming beside them. Glancing over, Declan leaned back, smiling at Sabrina as she stood there with her tray loaded. "Hungry now, boys, or should I come back later?"
Caught up in the visuals of his mind, Garret had not heard the waitress come back, but he recovered very quickly and quite smoothly. "I think we're hungry now," he said coolly, leaning back a bit so she could set the plates in front of them. "But that doesn't mean you can't come back later regardless."
Wrinkling her nose a little, Sabrina scoffed playfully. "I don't do clean up. That's for the bussers."
"Too bad," Garret replied without missing a beat. "You seem to always bring exactly what I'm hungry for."
"Oh?" she asked, putting a hand on her chest, her now empty tray held aloft on one steady hand. "That's odd, because I'm bringing you Irish fare, and you seemed to be stocked plenty with it already." Biting her lip, she gave Garret a small wink (and a brief but saucy glance at Declan) before asking sweetly "Anything else I can get you guys?"
"Oh, Garret here has a healthy appetite, lass," Declan smiled. An innuendo from the dryad? Say it isn't so! Must be the excellent company. "I'm pretty sure he'd have more that what's on his plate if he could." Declan picked up the pint of Guinness delivered with his dinner and took a healthy sip, grunting softly in approval.
Sabrina looked over Garret again with renewed interest. "Well, I guess there's always dessert later." She glanced from one to the other, hard to tell which one caught her interest. "Anything else?"
Declan shook his head and picked up his fork. "Since we're in the best of hands, Miss Sabrina," he grinned. "I think we're good." Wouldn't you know, a few rolled r's and a pretty smile lit up her face as she turned to give Garret yet another wink and stepped away.
Garret was impressed. The flirtations were simply rolling off Declan's tongue, as easy as water down a mountain side. He didn't seem at all nervous at the moment. Maybe it was because they were in a safe environment, and because he'd been lubricated a bit with some liquid courage. Maybe because Sabrina made it obvious that she didn't mind the flirting, and in fact encouraged it. Whatever the reason, Garret was proud of his little prodigy. Looking Declan over as Sabrina swished off, he just stayed quiet a moment before grinning wickedly. "Someone's tossing the innuendo about with a fair amount of ease," he pointed out, grabbing a french fry from his plate and biting off the tip. "This is not the dryad I first met."
Declan frowned, the expression completely innocent. "What innuendos? I was being honest. Ye have quite the appetite." He snagged a piece of chicken with his fork, biting it with a smile. It wasn't a total lie.
"Oh please," Garret scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. "That look in your eyes was nothing short of deviant. You might as well have been groping her ass and kissing her neck." Not that Garret was complaining, nor was he opposed to the notion of watching Declan get handsy with the waitress. But Declan should know that nothing was going to slip by Garret- he was a Columbo of sexual teasing.
"What look?" Declan had a look? Sure he was teasing the lass, but he didn't think he could be described as deviant. That was Garret's area of expertise. Though the idea of kissing was a nice one, he wasn't quite so sure the fondling would be appreciated. Declan just couldn't pull off smooth moves like that. He was too clumsy.
Grinning, Garret picked up his burger, readying it for consumption. "That look that said you're thinking dirty, naughty things about our waitress. And you ought to be ashamed of yourself for it. She's a sweet girl and has been very friendly and helpful all evening." Taking a bite and humming contentedly, savoring the flavors on his palate, Garret chewed a moment before adding (around a mouth full of food), "Besides, you should be having those thoughts about me, since I'm supposed to be your date tonight."
"I wouldn'a do that!" Though maybe the claim came out only half hearted. He was a man after all. One with a fantastic, sweet, incredibly jealous girlfriend back home. Okay, time to get his mind out of the gutter. "I already told ye what I was thinking about with ye. Yer the one tha' just sat there gawking." Declan picked up his knife, slicing his dinner into bite sized pieces.
"I washn gawking," Garret protested as he chewed, a bit sullenly. Finally swallowing, he said matter-of-factly "I was merely thinking about it. Visualizing. You painted a very nice picture, I was doing it justice by giving it proper consideration. After all, you wouldn't have insisted on telling me unless you wanted me to think about it..."
"Well I could give ye a couple other things ta think about." Realizing what he'd said without thinking, Declan hurriedly took a sip of his brew, burying his nose in the glass. Now he'd just made Garret all sorts of curious, he knew.
Face lighting up, eyes widening, Garret was indeed completely intrigued by Declan's words. Scooting a little bit closer, he set his burger down, all attention on his friend. "Such as?" he asked eagerly, leaning forward to capture every word spoken. He was quite certain the remark had been flippant, but damned if he wasn't going to make Declan make good on the suggestion.
Chuckling, more than amused at their situation, Declan shook his head quickly. No, he couldn't bring himself to say it. At least not with Garret so far away. Well, maybe....
Licking his lips, Declan turned, motioning Garret closer with his fingers, as if he wanted to whisper his ideas. When he was closer, the dryad reached out, cupping Garret's chin in hand and moving his mouth towards his ear. Rather than whispering, he kissed, licked and gently bit the soft skin, moving down the line to Garret's throat to kiss again. His lips played over the skin lightly, wanting to tease just a bit and perhaps try to throw Garret off balance. Raising his head a bit, he finally whispered, "Something like that," and slowly pulled back with a soft smirk and twinkling eyes.
Garret had expected, or rather hoped, for Declan to whisper some sexy little scenario as he had done before, something to make Garret's pulse quicken a little and his skin flush a bit. But he definitely did not expect the dryad to start moving those lips over his neck, and he certainly did not expect teeth to get involved. He gasped softly, lips parted slightly as his eyes fluttered closed, the warmth of Declan's mouth and the unexpected forwardness of the action catching him completely off guard. This wasn't a familiar feeling. He wasn't the cause of this, well not directly, he hadn't initiated it. But he felt flushed and warm and soft and hard all at once. And it wasn't until Declan pulled away and took back those lips that Garret realized what was happening.
He was being seduced.
It had come on so unexpectedly, and it had been a long while since someone had been doing the seducing to him, that Garret hadn't recognized it right away. But Declan was seducing him. And that little dryad probably didn't even realize it! Swallowing, Garret moved away from the other man's body, his eyes forward and facing his food. "Aha," he said softly. "Well.... that's distracting, you're right about that." Maybe it was because he hadn't taken blood thinners tonight, maybe it was just because of the sudden unexpected rush from an unexpected source, but Garret felt certain things stirring inside him, things he had not expected to feel for quite some time.
The smirk slowly dropped as Garret turned to his food. Did he do something wrong? Declan turned to face his own meal, replaying what he'd done. He'd crossed the line. That was it. Theirs was just a harmless flirtation and Declan had thrown their friendship down the pipes with an experimental move. Sighing, he raked a hand through his hair, silently picking up his fork and trying to eat. Well this was awkward.
Giving himself a moment to calm his body, Garret continued eating, still feeling a bit shaken. Not that he minded being seduced, but this was Declan. He was being seduced by an amateur! Garret wasn't sure if that was shameful or incredible. It felt a little of both. Maybe it had just been too long since someone had put the moves on him like this. He had to admit, he was always the one to strike first, because he hated waiting. Declan probably felt quite proud of himself for setting Garret into silence.
Swallowing, he cleared his throat a little, then tried lightening the mood. "I'm gonna tell Keely you've been oogling the waitress all night," he said playfully.
After not being able to taste a few bites, Declan resorted to just pushing his dinner around on the plate, swirling the sauce around the chicken, flipping pieces over. With one stupid move, he'd ruined a friendship he'd cherished. Now there was something to write home about.
He appreciated Garret's attempt to return back to status quo and nodded. Keely being told that her boyfriend was making eyes at their server would probably go over better than hearing he was trying to make the moves on another man. Even if that man was Garret. "Aye, ye do that. An' I'll tell her that ye didn't do much more than flirt. That'll surprise her enough ta leave me be."
Something was off. Declan seemed a bit more subdued right now, like something was on his mind. Maybe he actually felt bad about flirting with Sabrina, as though maybe he thought Keely really would be upset. Garret was sure she wouldn't, because she would know that Declan didn't mean anything by it.
"Well," Garret replied with a small shrug, "I came out here tonight with you. It would be a little rude of me to leave you alone at the bar and just run off with someone else, don't you think?"
Declan shook his head to answer Garret's question. "No, not if it's expected. I brought ye out to cheer ye up." And a fine job he was doing, too. "If picking someone up did the job, I'd expect ye ta do it. I wouldna mind." There was Garret's escape route if he wanted it. Declan wouldn't be at all surprised if he took it, given the circumstances.
"Oh." Well, that wasn't quite expected. Mulling this information over, Garret tapped his fingers on the countertop in a nonsensical staccato. Finally, he spoke again. "I thought you'd brought me out tonight to hang out with you. I liked the idea. Bu, if you're trying to be rid of me..." There was a small twinkle in his eye as he spoke, even though his voice was laced with fake sadness.
"Aye, I did!" Declan turned to protest. "I like yer company. Ye don't hit on me," he grinned. A lie? Of course, but if it made Garret smile, worth it. "I know I can count on ye for a good time with a few pints." He was starting to feel a bit better about things. Maybe Garret wasn't so upset if he could still flirt with the dryad. Of course, this was Garret. He'd flirt with anyone, least of all an awkward dryad.
Seeing Declan smile made Garret smile as well. "Then it's decided," he declared. "I guess I'll stay here with you, not flirt with you and drink a few pints. I really don't know how I'll manage, the prospect is just so awful..." Giving Declan a playful shove, Garret tucked back into his meal, making sure to steal a few bites of Declan's food every now and again. It was good, all of it, and Garret ate it a lot faster than he normally would. But it had been awhile since he'd gotten to eat anything this greasy and delicious.
Well now the dryad was just confused all to pieces. Garret said he wouldn't flirt, but he'd been doing it all evening, stealing food from his plate (not that Declan minded) and touching and being sweet. What on earth was he to think?
And people wondered why Declan didn't flirt. He couldn't read the mixed signals as confusing as they were. Huffing, he pulled his plate closer, once pretending to stab Garret with his fork when he wandered over to steal another bite. So what did the dryad do in retaliation? He took a steamed broccoli spear and deposited it directly on top of Garret's dripping burger, picking up a stalk for himself and munching on it between sips of beer.
Sometimes it was hard to remember that Declan didn't pick up on subtleties, especially when he was having a real banner night like he was tonight. Indeed, the way things had been going, Declan had been keeping up with Garret's banter quite nicely. But the broccoli was the last straw. Gasping loudly, clearly horrified, Garret turned to stare at Declan as though he'd just committed the worst crime imaginable. "How dare you," he growled darkly, though playfully. "You dare to put some kind of vegetation on my burger? How could you ruin it like that!! Oh, woe!" Tossing his head back as though to curse the heavens, Garret shook his fist angrily, then grabbed the broccoli and popped it in his mouth. "Mmm," he said, pleased. He was a fan of vegetables, after all.
Declan jerked in his seat. He'd expected a reaction, but this was a bit stronger than what he was looking for. His mouth opened and closed, trying to get out the apology for ruining the evening, first with his failed attempt at a move and then with the broccoli stunt but his voice wouldn't work short of the soft whimper that escaped. It snapped closed when Garret crunched the green spear. "Well, you..." Declan reached out and shoved at Garret's shoulder playfully. "Worry me ta death why don't ye," he mumbled into his beer, brooding a bit.
Grinning, very pleased with himself, Garret said simply "I will, thank you." He felt great right now- good company, good food. He hadn't felt this free in a very long time. Not since he'd fallen in love with Rorie. Not that he blamed Rorie, not at all, and not that he wasn't happy with the young man. With both his men. But they were a life that tied him down, gave him obligations and responsibility. He was willing to take all that because he loved them, but sometimes he needed a break, and tonight was a perfect break.
Declan rolled his eyes, scrubbing a hand over his face. Garret was just so smug. On anyone else it would be annoying, but on him it was just endearing. He didn't mean any harm by it; it was just part of who he was. A frustratingly sweet part. Declan poked his chicken again, finally resuming eating now that his plate was still mostly fully while Garret's was nearly empty.
Pouting on a grown man was just too much to take. Garret could not handle puppy eyes, they got to him every time, and a close second was a pitiful little pout on a grown man's lips. (A close third was the little lip wibble on a woman as she starts to cry.) "Don't look like that," Garret sighed, leaning in close and resting his chin on Declan's shoulder. "You look like I've kicked you or something. I didn't mean to worry you. I'm sorry." Pressing a kiss to Declan's cheek, Garret offered a grin, trying to coax one out of his friend.