Quentin wasn’t sure why he suggested they go out, other than he knew that Eliot was not exactly the stay at home type. Especially after the weirdness of the past couple of weeks. He wanted to get him out of his apartment and do something he hoped the other man would enjoy. A bit of dancing, probably some drinking and well who knew what else would happen. The options were pretty much endless all things considered.
As promised, he was dressed up a bit, well dressed up by Quentin standards anyway. He had on his favorite skinny black pants, a dark button up with a tie. He even pulled his hair back but he fully expected to take it down before the end of the night. He just never liked the way he looked with his hair pulled up like that. After making sure Tiberius had plenty of water, a bit of food and the litter box was clean and easy for him to get to he shoved his phone and keys into his pocket then walked to the door. “No parties while I'm out, and don’t let anyone in.” He smiled as he stepped out to walk over to Eliot’s apartment and knocked on the man’s door. Be cool, Coldwater. You’re JUST friends.
The invitation to do something, to go out had surprised Eliot. Mostly due to the weird shit that had taken place. And truth be known he'd been trying to avoid seeing Quentin. He didn't know what to think of what had gone on between them and was doing his best not to think about it. Hence the drugs and drinking. He simply wasn't prepared to deal with something like that in the "real" world. That it had been with Q made the whole thing more fucked and complicated. Q...he wore his heart on his sleeve and was so easy to read.
Eliot looked in the mirror and turned to the side. This vest had to be one of the most badass and fashionable he'd ever owned. It was unique and it was becoming a favorite already. He paired it with a black button up shirt, black pants and shoes. As a final touch he put on some black eyeliner. Some cologne and one last look was taken before he grabbed his phone and keys as he made his way to answer the door. "Hey." His gaze moved up and down Quentin then he smiled. "You clean up pretty good, Coldwater. Where are we going?" He wasn't sure if Quentin had found some place or if he was heading to Lux again.
Quentin smiled when the door opened and took the chance to check out what Eliot was wearing. Yup, those vests were just made for him. Literally, but the style itself just seemed to really suit Eliot. He just shrugged at the compliment and once again wished that he could take them without feeling like the other person was just humoring him. He knew that was not the case here, but it was one of those intrusive thoughts that never went away. “Thanks, I tried.” He smoothed down his shirt and motioned at Eliot. “And you look amazing, as usual.” HE honestly thought that. Even when the man was straight from bed with his curls all mussed up in every direction, he was still one of the sexiest people on the planet.
He pushed that thought aside and stepped back onto the sidewalk. “Well there’s a couple of clubs in the town, but Lux seems to be the place to be. Unless you’d rather go to the other one *insert name here while I look it up*.” Sure there was that leftover bit that wanted to just decide and if asked say because I said so, but that’s now how things worked anymore. Not that they ever really worked that way, though he was still wondering exactly why that had been the way his wish had turned out? He’d only wished to know what it would be like to have Eliot actually feel the same way about him, even if it was only going to be for a little while. He knew if they never moved past friendship (and occasional fuck buddies) he could live with that, especially now that he had the memory of Eliot looking at him with all that love and adoration.
He waited for the man to decide then nodded. “Good choice.” He took a minute to make them a portal that would get them a couple blocks away. He just wanted the bit of a walk in the cool air to clear his head a bit and get himself back into the right frame of mind for this.
"Thank you." Eliot smiled and followed Quentin outside. "I had a pretty good time at Lux so why don't we go there." Even as he made a choice many other thoughts were going through his head. Thy went through the portal and he noted they were a few blocks from the club. Suddenly he stopped. "Why don't we go to a bar instead. Have a few drinks and hang out. If I were a betting man I'd say you suggested clubs for my sake and while I appreciate that, I know you're not big on clubs." It wasn't that Q had never been to one, but they weren't his thing, his choice if he had one.
"I know this great little bar not far from here. Sometimes they have live music. Let's go there." He smiled at Quentin then tugged on his arm and changed the direction they were walking. He wasn't trying to take over or anything, but if they were going out they should both enjoy themselves. "I mean, if you really wanted to dance we could do it right here." Eliot let go of his arm then began to dance in front of Quentin, chuckling and grinning. Not giving a fuck if anyone saw him.
Quentin was not surprised that he would pick Lux, it seemed like a really fun place. It wasn’t exactly his scene, but he knew he’d have fun there. He’d enjoy the music, maybe dance a bit and have a few drinks. It took him a few steps before he realized that Eliot wasn’t keeping up with him so he stopped and turned around. “What’s wrong?” He tilted his head at the suggestion of somewhere else and he looked sheepish at being called out about the club idea. “Well, I mean….” He stammered a bit then shrugged. “I don’t go to clubs that often, but I do go from time to time.” But it was true that he had suggested it because he knew Eliot would really like it.
He smiled and shook his head as he let himself be led in another direction. “Only if you really want to go to this bar instead!” He would prefer the smaller space, fewer people, and live music as a bonus. “You might be able to dance without music and still make it look good, I would just look like an idiot.” He laughed and linked his arm through Eliot’s “C’mon then, lead the way to this bar.” He followed along until they came to the bar and nodded along with the music coming from inside the place. “That totally sounds like live music.”
Quentin held the door open for Eliot then walked inside and looked around. This was definitely a bit more his speed. There was still music, people were dancing and Eliot was the best looking guy in the joint. “This might be the best idea you could have had.” He walked up to the bar and ordered drinks for each of them, the good stuff for their first drink at least.
"If I didn't want to go I wouldn't have suggested it." He knew Quentin would be more comfortable there and they could both enjoy the evening. Eliot laughed. "You're just afraid of looking silly. While I don't give a fuck!" He laughed and did some weird version of the chicken dance before Quentin linked arms with him and they continued on to the bar.
He was pleased to hear music as they drew close and went inside. Maybe he could get Quentin to do some dancing. Perhaps more so after he had some liquid courage in him. "Well, I don't like to brag..." Eliot laughed as they stood at the bar. "Thanks, Q. Next round is on me." He took the drink and motioned for him to follow to one of the tables. "Is this the official celebration for both of us now being employed working adults?" He laughed and raised his glass, then drank down half of it.
“It’s not really a fear so much as a foregone conclusion that people will think I look silly when I’m dancing.” It was just one of those things, but he continued to smile as they walked on. Quentin decided to take him at his word and didn’t push any more about the club. They were likely going to be there for a while so they would have many other chances to go there together. Unless there was a reason that Eliot didn’t want him to go there?
He let that thought marinate only as long as it took for them to get their first drinks then he pushed it to the back of his mind and grinned up at the man. “Oh please! Of course you do!” He laughed and followed him to an empty table. “YES! To us, officially employed adults who can now pay our own bills.” He clinked his glass against Eliot’s then took a test sip before taking a much longer drink from his glass. That was definitely what he needed. He turned to look toward the source of the music and watched the band for a moment. “They are pretty good.” He found himself kinda moving along with the beat as he drank and listened.
"I don't think you'd look silly and who gives a damn what others think?" Q worried too much, but that wasn't something that was going to change anytime soon. Adulting. It had to happen sooner or later, but he had hoped it would happen in New York where he'd find a fabulous job, sip on cocktails with Margo in the evenings and hang out with his friends on his days off. He took another sip and nodded at Quentin. The band was good. The few other times he'd been here it was hit or miss. Downing the rest of his drink he stood and went back to the bar.
He ordered them the same drinks plus a shot of tequila for each of them. Slowly he made his way back to the table letting Quentin grab his drinks before he sat back down. He picked up the tequila and made it disappear, then chased it with his vodka. He looked at Quentin and tilted his head. "What are you thinking right now?"
Quentin gave a damn, well at least a little one. He tried not to but sometimes it was hard to remember that he shouldn’t. He’d had to worry about how people interpreted his actions for so long it was a hard habit to break. So he just shrugged. “I know I shouldn’t, but it’s hard to really stop caring.” He kept sipping his drink and before long he had finished it. Just about the time he realised that, Eliot was walking back with more and he laughed. “Always the perfect host, even when you’re not officially the host.”
He helped get their drinks onto the table then went ahead and did his own tequila shot, complete with that face and slight shudder that always came with it. “Blech! I don’t know how people actually enjoy those.” Then again, he’d never paid much attention to the type of tequila he’d been drinking and it was entirely possible that he would like a different brand of it. But he wasn’t that worried about it. He took a sip of his fresh drink and looked up at the question. “Right now?”
He shrugged. “I was just wondering if there was a better brand of tequila. And what brand they are using here.” He tilted his head. “How are they getting their alcohol here in the first place? I mean like standard Earth liquors you know? Or is this all gonna eventually run out and we’ll have to switch to whatever passes for alcoholic beverages on this world?” Which he hadn’t really explored very much at all. The threat of monsters kept him in the boundaries of Westview proper. He blinked then looked up at him. “What are you thinking right now?”
"It is an acquired taste." He generally had it as a shot or if he was looking to get drunk more quickly. Reaching for his vodka Eliot took a long drink. He chuckled and shook his head. "I can tell you this isn't a top shelf tequila. Not that I'm an expert." He nodded as Quentin continued. It was a valid question. "It must be some kind of magic. I mean, we're in this place.” There wasn’t much to do. “ And if they ran out..." He paused almost dramatically. "That would be very tragic and I would cry." Eliot laughed and gave Quentin's feet under the table a soft nudge.
"I'm just thinking how awful it would be if they did run out of Earth liquors here. How would I cope?" He grinned, but in a way, it was true. There were other ways of coping, but he didn't want to think about any of that right now.
“I think most alcoholic beverages are to be honest. Especially when you are just drinking them straight.” That was the point of cocktails, wasn’t it? Disguise the bad taste of alcohol so a person could still get super drunk without having to suffer the taste of whatever liquor they had on hand. He snort laughed at the top shelf comment. “I kinda wonder what they consider top shelf here.” He took a long drink from his glass then blinked.
“I think a lot of people would cry.” Quentin didn’t think he would be one of the, but then again, he had been drinking a little bit more since they got there than he might in general. Self-medicating he heard it was called. Without his meds, he had to do something. Though he wasn’t yet at the point where he wanted to ask around for something stronger than alcohol, and besides that he was pretty sure Eliot had figured that out not long after they arrived. If only to have the information on hand when/if he needed it himself.
“Oh I’m sure we could come up with ways to help you cope.” He smiled his cute, slightly tipsy Quentin smile then finished his second drink. He was not drunk by any stretch, but he was definitely starting to feel more relaxed. He was starting to sway more to the music and finally he hopped off his chair. “Come dance with me!”
“Mmm, lush nation here with people being away from home, family, friends and those they love.” Not to mention dealing with the weird shit that happened. Like Eliot on his knees for Quentin and wearing a collar. Nope. He wasn’t going to think about that. Though he couldn’t and wouldn’t blame anyone for self-medicating here, no matter how they chose to do so.
As he sat there he started thinking a smoke sounded good. He was glad he’d remembered to put a pack and lighter in his pocket. Before he could ask Quentin had stood and nearly commanded him to go dance with him. He grinned, stood, and took his arm to lead him where others were dancing. He led them to the outside of the group rather than the center because he knew Q wouldn’t like being there, being the ‘center’ of attention. It only took a few moments for the music to wrap around him and let the beat and rhythm move his body.
Quentin was not exactly a good dancer, nor was he a particularly bad one. He managed well enough to fit in with the crowd of people. Thankfully it was pretty fast paced music and the beat was easy enough for him to follow. Of course, he mostly just kinda swayed and moved his arms in an aesthetically pleasing way while he watched Eliot dance. That man could move and as always Quentin was struck by how beautiful the man was, especially when he didn’t know anyone was watching him. He also remembered the way the collar looked on his neck and he was struck with a sudden pang of loss for the time they’d had. Maybe Eliot hadn’t enjoyed it nearly as much as he had, but Quentin was sure that he was the only one who would easily step back into that space given the chance.
One song blended into the other and before he knew it they had been dancing for a good bit of time and they were both sweating, and Quentin was laughing. For the first time in a long time he was really laughing and having fun. Maybe it was the drinks, maybe it was the company. He didn’t care, he only cared that Eliot seemed to be having a good time as well. When the music finally slowed down he reached out to find Eliot’s hand and laced their fingers together before giving it a gentle squeeze. “I think we need some water.”
He gave the man’s hand one more squeeze before letting go so that he could follow, or not, as he chose but Quentin was now on a mission. And that mission included a trip to the bar for a couple bottles of water and two more drinks for them, though he asked that his be made light. He didn’t want to get too drunk. He carried their drinks back to the table they’d claimed as their own for the night and set them down before taking his seat
He was midway through a long drink of water when his brain did that hyperfocus thing that he sometimes hated. He had been looking at Eliot and his eye was caught by a single ring on the man’s finger. Exactly where he’d put it when they were…well under the influence of whatever magic this world contained. He wondered why it was there when the collar was gone. And then he wondered if he should say anything about it at all.
There was something about music, about dancing. You could get lost in it, in the beat, the rhythm that filled your body and made it almost seem like you were elsewhere. All your cares and worries gone if only for a little while. That’s how Eliot felt and it felt good, like floating, like being free. He was brought back to reality when Quentin took his hand and laced their fingers, giving a squeeze. He looked down then back to his friend who announced they needed water. Right. Water. He nodded and left the dance floor making his way back to their table.
He was hot and sweating, but that’s what dancing did to you. Eliot fanned himself a little to cool off. Quentin arrived with water and more drinks. Yes! At least he wasn’t being a party pooper just yet. The thought made him chuckle a little. “Thanks, Q.” He went for the water and drank deeply, letting out loud ‘ahhhh!’ when he sat the bottle down. “Good stuff.” He smiled and winked at Quentin. “Are you having a good time?” This wasn’t exactly his thing, but he’d seen the way the man was smiling and laughing. It was good to see Q doing those two things. He deserved happiness and…all that came with it.
Quentin finished his water then set the bottle down and smiled with a shrug. “I mean it beats sitting at home with my cat like the dude equivalent of the crazy cat lady.” HE tilted his head in thought. “Crazy cat dude? Crazy cat guy? And how many cats does one need to qualify as the local crazy cat person?” He smiled over at Eliot to show he was just teasing, except about what to call the crazy cat dude. That was something he would probably be thinking about for a few days until the next thing caught his attention.
He picked up his drink and eyed it before swirling it a bit more in the glass to mix in the melted ice before taking a slow drink. Nothing worse than a mouthful of mostly water followed closely by the entire shot that had somehow separated from all the other liquids in the glass. He was doing his best not to look at the ring, but now that he had seen it, his eyes kept glancing back at it every so often. Why was he still wearing it? Why hadn’t he at least switched it to a different finger? These were questions he would never ask. He would probably just think about them until he went a little crazy with wondering. “I’d ask if you were but you looked like you fit right in with the crowd.” It was not a judgment call. It was just a simple observation that Eliot always looked comfortable in whatever setting he found himself.
Eliot laughed and shook his head. Quentin came up with some of the most out of the blue things sometimes which could be amusing yet charming in a very Quentin way. "Maybe it would be crazy cat man. The opposite of a crazy cat lady." He drank down more water, thought for a moment then tilted his head. "I'd say once you get past three or four then you enter into crazy cat person territory." He grinned and reached for his drink.
"I'm having a great time. It's nice to get out and let loose for a while, have some fun." His gaze followed Quentin's and he realized he was looking at the ring. He emptied his drink then stood. He reached for Quentin's hand and tugged him up out of his seat. "I need a smoke." He all but drug him through the bar and out back to the patio area. Why? Even he wasn't sure. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a lighter and smokes then quickly lit one up, inhaling deeply before exhaling. "You want one?" He asked, holding the pack out. Eliot took a deep breath. "Fresh air. I'm glad it's fall." It wasn't too hot out or freezing. It was perfect or something like that.
“It would not take me very long to get to crazy cat person status then. I might get there by the end of the month cuz one of the other teachers has some kittens she’s trying to rehome.” Yes he was going to be that guy who took all the cats that anyone wanted to get rid of until he had so many that he would have to get an entirely new apartment for himself and let the cats have the one he was in now. He’d just go over to put out food, water and scoop the litter boxes every morning and evening. And of course spend time with them after each evening feeding. He kept that whole thought to himself though. He just smiled and downed more of his drink.
Quentin barely had time to put his drink glass down, let alone try to protest before he was dragged out of the bar. Fresh air and cigarettes didn’t exactly go together, but he could see how it worked. No people out here and it was cooler than in the bar. He nodded and took the offered cigarette, fished out his own lighter then stood and looked up at the sky as he smoked quietly. “I do love this kind of weather. Long sleeves, maybe a sweater in the daytime, and a light jacket at night.” Also finally cold enough for snuggling not to be too awkward, but one had to have someone to cuddle with for that. He turned his gaze to Eliot and just looked at him a moment, admiring his profile. Stop it , he told himself. They were just friends even if he’d basically laid his heart out there for Eliot to collect whenever he wanted to. He looked away again and sighed softly.
“Oh, Q.” Eliot grinned a little and shook his head. He knew he’d take every kitten if homes weren’t found. That’s just how he was. Sometimes Eliot wondered why and how they were friends when they were so different in many ways. Yet he knew there was something to their friendship that he couldn’t put his finger on. And he wasn’t going to think too hard about it right now. Especially given that Q was his only friend here in Westivew. He made a face. He really didn’t like this place.
Eliot blew smoke up toward the sky and watched it curly and float away. “We should go shopping to get you some sweaters and a coat. Winter will be here before you know it.” Plus any excuse to go shopping was valid. Now that he was working he could pick up a few things himself. He’d already started a ‘new wardrobe’ savings account. He’d get there. Meanwhile he’d slowly build it up. “Let's get out of here,” he said finishing off his cigarette, “have a nightcap before we turn in.” They made their way back inside and he picked up his jacket off the back of his chair and walked to the exit. Just as they stepped out Eliot paused when a voice suddenly asked them to wait a minute. He paused and turned around to see a guy standing there looking at Quentin. He recognized him as one of the bartenders.
“Give me a call sometime if you’d like to hang out,” he said, smiling and holding out a napkin that had his name and number on it. Bold of the guy to think they weren’t together. Eliot looked at Quentin back to the man then back to Quentin.
Quentin knew that tone. It was the same one everyone in his life had always used when he did something that was just him and they couldn't quite understand how someone like him existed. Honestly, he didn't understand how someone like him existed in the world. But he was there and he was just trying to make the most of things. The difference with Eliot was, that tone didn't come with any judgment attached to it like it did when it came from Julia or his mother, or Alice for that matter.
He nodded at the suggestion. He knew they would likely have a good time shopping, it was something that Eliot enjoyed and Quentin would get clothes that actually looked good on him for a change. Not that he was a horrible dresser in general, he just went for comfort and didn't mind if things hung a little funny on him. "That sounds like a good plan. We could both use some more winter wear. No telling what they are like around here but it's better to be prepared." He figured if the stores stocked heavy winter gear, that would be a good indication of what to expect, but he hadn't taken much notice the few times he'd gone to the store for something clothing-related. He just got what he needed and left without much browsing. "you can help make sure all my clothes will match." He grinned up at him then finished off the last of his cigarette and crushed it out just before he suggested they leave.
Quentin had not worn a jacket, but his shirt was good enough considering they would most likely just create a portal to the apartments once they got outside. He followed along and stopped when Eliot did. He glanced at the guy and was completely oblivious to the fact that he was actually speaking to HIM. He was standing next to Eliot for pete's sake! Who would notice him over that? This meant it took him a few extra seconds of waiting for Eliot to take the offered number to realize that it was meant for him and he blinked, blushed then laughed nervously as he reached out to take the napkin. "UH...thanks. I'll do that." He looked at the number then shoved the napkin into his pocket before looking up at the guy again. This time he actually noticed what he looked like and hummed as he nodded in something like approval.
He gave the man a smile and nodded again. "See ya." He glanced up at Eliot then hooked his hand through the man's arm and tugged to get him going toward the door again. Once they were outside he started to walk in the general direction of home. He was clearly still in his head a bit as he walked. Mostly he was thinking about how the hell he of all people managed to walk out of there with a number and Eliot didn't. Then again, maybe the man had gotten one during his trip to the bar or while he waited for Quentin to come back with the water. It didn't matter ultimately because while the owner of the number was attractive, he just wasn't Eliot, and for now? Quentin wasn't really interested in anyone who wasn't named Eliot Waugh. He knew that eventually, he would have to get over his crush on his best friend, but he wasn't ready to start trying to just yet. He still had hope.
It was obvious Quentin was surprised that the guy was giving him his number. Why he was so Eliot would never understand. He never gave himself enough credit. He could never see how attractive he was or the many other amazing qualities he had once you got to know him. So it was with a little amusement and something else that he watched the exchange between the two. However, he decided the bartender wasn’t Quentin’s type. Don’t ask him why. It wasn’t like he knew shit about the guy. It was just a feeling. Not that he would ever say that to his friend.
He started walking when Quentin pulled him out the door. The other was quiet and Eliot wondered what he was thinking. “So when are you going to call him? He’s cute. He can’t be too bad if he’s a bartender,” he joked. He stopped and made a portal for them to get back to their building more quickly. Inside he went to his apartment. He shed his jacket and hung it up then went to the mini bar he’d created. “What’ll it be coldwater?” He started making his own drink. A Martini, something he hadn’t had in a while.
Quentin was startled when Eliot spoke. “Huh?” He looked up then laughed and shook his head. “Oh…I dunno.” He wasn’t sure that he would, but maybe. “Maybe later in the week.” He shrugged before he stepped through the portal and glanced toward his door then followed Eliot to his. It was a little bit closer to where they had wound up. He kicked off his shoes once he was inside then walked over to see what Eliot was working on for himself. “I’ll have one of those.” He smiled and resisted the urge to hug the man from behind. He did rest his hand on the small of the man’s back and let his fingers trail off as he stepped over to sit on the couch. “That was fun. We should do that again soon.” Or even make it a regular thing they did on the weekends.